I prefer real estate and having control. 

I've noticed some of the homes that are noticeably vacant are an enigma on the tax system !

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If you are going to do cash-for-keys (and I don't think you should) the payment to the tenant should only be made after they are out and you have full control of the property.

I’d still want a PM shop with a management staff and systems and processes in place, so if someone leaves, another can be trained to replace them.

While the investment options of many conventional retirement plans are not amazing, as savings vehicles they have several advantages that will pay off in the long term.If you are in a 30% tax bracket, then when you make a tax-deferred contribution to your plan, you can put $10K in as compared to putting $7K in your personal control after paying taxes on income. 

First step is to set up your account, then you can set up the LLC with the IRA as the controller of that account.

I invite you to shift your mind set from recourse loans ( the ones you’re referring to) and start considering non-recourse options, which will take you the syndication route.When I started thinking about syndication, it took me a while to let go of my preexisting beliefs of having to control every single step of the process, including fully controlling the property.

There is a well and septic system.  

My take this is an ACT of GOD and not in your control.