Need advise for corporate structure for 2018 / solo 401k!

[Tyler L.]

Hi all!

I need some advise on how to best structure my business in 2018. I am currently an acquisitions manager for a wholesaler and started in this field only this year after a lifetime of interest in the real estate business. I wish I would have done this when I was 20, but better late than never as they say! Anyway, I have done far better this first year then I ever could have imagined. For 2017 I have been acting as a sole proprietor and will be served 1099. I have made $97k gross for year, plus another $35k or so I am deferring. Note I also plan on purchasing some small scale real estates (vacant lots etc) in my solo 401k for 2018. The 401k was just set up last week. 

For 2018 I have set up an LLC to run my income through and set a goal of $250k gross income. I figured the LLC will give me more structure (mentally and financially) and of course more flexibility regarding how I am taxed. One thing I have been considering is electing to be taxed as an s-corp to save on my SE taxes. Upon researching further though I found that there is increased costs associated with electing s-corp. Also, if I elect I could possibly reduce the amount I can contribute for my solo 401k on the profit-sharing contributions side as I can only base that on the salary side of the s-corp not my full gross. So I am at the point that I am saying is the amount I will save for s-corp status so low that it doesn't make sense to go through the hassle.

Below are some questions:

- Am I on the right track with running everything through my LLC for 2018, or just stay a sole proprietor?

- If LLC is the right course does it make sense for me to elect to be taxed as an s-corp considering my situation? And if so when is the deadline I can elect by?

- Is it possible to buy real estate options contracts as investments (IE my commission for a deal, bought as an investment) into my solo 401k within the roth section? 

Please let me know your thoughts and or if I am missing anything that might be helpful to my situation, thanks!