While there are some key concepts to understand before jumping in (such as the prohibited transaction rules), self-directed investing can be a really powerful alternative to keeping retirement funds locked into the stock market.

The parents are actually trying to relocate back to the area and really want the house...yes daughter is getting power of attorney to handle transactions BUT they decided that they want to try to secure a mortgage loan now (I have seller under contract to pay her $25,000 and the buyer offered $30,000. 

The fact that you don't need a down payment just happens to make it a really powerful investment tool, as the traditional 25% down payment for an investment property is one of the more significant barriers to entry for RE investing.

Going to meetings is powerful - when you see 300 people excited about something, many of them already sucssefull for years, and feel the energy in that room, you get a sense of possibilities.Over the course of 10 years my wife went from shaking her head about the idea, to being a careful supporter (still pumping the breaks when I bought a property every six weeks) being a property owner and actually a vocal advocate to other wifes when we host a  workshop or go to a meetup.

Either way - investment property or primary residence - I'm a huge fan of the power of HELOC to get some momentum in REI.

ABC, LLC’s operating agreement may establish or provide for the establishment of one or more designated series of members, managers, membership interests, or assets that: (1) has separate rights, powers, or duties with respect to specified property or obligations of the limited liability company or profits and losses associated with specified property or obligations; or (2) has a separate business purpose or investment objective.An established series has the power and capacity, in the series' own name, to:(1) sue and be sued;(2) contract;(3) acquire, sell, and hold title to assets of the series, including real property, personal property, and intangible property;(4) grant liens and security interests in assets of the series;(5) be a promoter, organizer, partner, owner, member, associate, or manager of an organization; and(6) exercise any power or privilege as necessary or appropriate to the conduct, promotion, or attainment of the business, purposes, or activities of the series.Notice of Limitations on Liabilities of Series.

One of the biggest hurdles when my wife and I first started was helping her understand the power of real estate investing.

@Jarib RivasI don't have an idea of the effect of a trade war on real estate markets but I think it's an interesting question.My hunch would be that the relative purchasing power of the dollar (and then it follows value of real estate backed by dollars) is affected by the exchange rate.Would be curious if others with a more academic and analytical macro economic and finance mind will weigh in....

Despite the negative connotations surrounding 203k loans because of all the rules you need to follow, I believe it is a very powerful and relatively risk-averse strategy for new investors.

I think you just have to use common sense: what’s the risk in doing basic yard work without any machinery or dangerous power tools?