I have been a lurker on this site for many months but decided its time to introduce myself to the community and get more involved. 

Here is a link to the IRS for reference: https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/plan-particip...All transactions involving your IRA must be 'arms length', you personally or any business that you own must stay away from such transaction as far as possible.

As anyone who has been in the military can tell you, you ALWAYS have someone telling you what to do, when to do it, how, where, and even with who you have to involve.

The identification must be in writing, signed by you and delivered to a person involved in the exchange like the seller of the replacement property or the qualified intermediary.

Do we pay off loans to improve our balance sheets and cash flow by retiring debt?

Then the work will begin.The HomeStyle loan is ONLY for Single Family Homes.Other Important Items to Know about “Conventional” Renovation LoansMaximum – Minimum Purchase/Upgrade Amounts:Minimum: $ 5,000 (below this on an exception basis only)Maximum: Limited to 50% of the “after improved” valueOccupancy: Primary, Second Homes, Investment PropertiesRenovation Term: The renovation term for this program is a maximum of 180 days.The Borrower(s) is responsible for the work being completed within the escrow period.

@John Warren @Michael Ablan @Anthony Dooley  -I bought it at $455K in suburban Boston-It's currently worth $460K without improving the property-3 unitsI have own this property for 3 months so far.

The title agent from Alabama said this is not needed, but the lender is saying it's needed to meet investor requirements, whatever that means.My wife fully supports my real estate endeavors, but does NOT want to be involved. 

You definitely want to get either a Title company or a lawyer involved who can run a title report to make sure what you are buying and from whom and how much is owed and to whom is as represented.

The plan is one formal meeting each month and other optional meetups like checking out a property, having a local event at someone’s house, and possibly two charity events (5k run/walk with funds raised going to HUD or other group who helps people with housing)You can be as involved as you like.