Transitioning IRA and old 401(k) to Self-Directed IRA

[Nathan Yee]

Hello BP Community,

I'm looking clarify the following questions:

What would the tax/penalties (if applicable) be for rolling over 1) my ROTH IRA and 2) my old, traditional employer 401(k) into a Self-Directed ROTH IRA? What are my max contribution limits? (I'm under 59 1/2 years old). 

Based on my research, I'm currently thinking that there are no tax/penalties for a ROTH IRA rollover and you'd pay ordinary income tax (via 1099), but with no penalties for a traditional 401(k) to Self-Directed ROTH IRA conversion. As far as max contribution limits, I'm under the impression the max amount I can contribute is $5500 (2017) and that this contribution would be across all ROTH retirement accounts.

Lastly, if I qualify later in life for a Solo-401(k), can I convert an existing Self-Directed ROTH IRA to a Solo-401(k)?

Based on my research, I'm thinking I don't qualify based on IRS rules: 

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-tege/rollover_chart.pd...

Background:

I'm looking to set up a Self-Directed ROTH IRA for the following reasons: 1) I believe I'll be in a higher tax bracket later in life and 2) I'm focusing on investing in large MF syndication deals as a limited partner. Although I love the benefits of a Solo 401(k), I don't qualify to set one up - I'm currently a W2 with no additional sources of income. The Self-Directed IRA seems to be the next best thing.

I appreciate everyone's help/input on this!

-Nate