Lenders are not as concerned with how long you have had a job as much as they want you to have worked in the same industry for two years.What kind of work do you do that you are being laid off from?

I don't have any experience with self directed IRA's (I am sure I can figure this out), but was more concerned with the tax ramifications of using a self directed IRA to flip a contract. 

Contractor grabbed money and disappeared or cut corner everywhere.

That would be my biggest concern.

I am concerned about using banks title company.

I'm still in the researching phase but I'm going to get my first property under contract in 2019.I'm cash flow oriented & primarily looking for a property to cut my teeth on for my first deal.

@Andrew MajorI am very concerned about what kind of housing 'solutions' the state legislature is working on right now.

Other times homeowners do not like the look and aesthetics are a valid concern. 

I've been encouraged by my boss and mentor to owner-occupy my first property, primarily to take advantage of lower rates and cut my own living expenses in the process. 

There is no pull down ladder and I have reason to believe there may be some “cost cutting” going on up there seeing as how it’s a flip and I noticed cost cutting in other areas of the home.