50k SDIRA or Solo-401k, ideals on which and what strategy?

[Donald S.]

Hey Everyone,

I've got about 51,500 in a TSP account that I can't contribute to anymore since I'm no longer in the Marines. Part of this money is Tax-deferred, part is ROTH, and part is tax-exempt (from contributions made in tax-free zones). So i have 3 questions.

1. I know SDIRA (or checkbook) and solo-401k are both popular, but if I qualify for solo-401k, is there a reason not to choose that over the SDIRA?

2. Am I looking at any detriment by putting tax-exempt funds into one of the above mentioned accounts? Would it, or the proportional proceeds, become taxable? Currently any proceeds from the tax-exempt funds in my TSP are tax-exempt forever, but when you do a withdrawal it's withdrawn proportionally also, so no way to leave the tax-exempt money in the account and only pull out the deferred and Roth money.

3. What strategies are best for the 2 types of self directed accounts? I was thinking notes, but finding good notes in an area I'd be willing to foreclose in is difficult, I only know of PPR notes and FCI Exchange. 50k doesn't seem like enough to get into lending and I'm not an Accredited investor. 

Sorry for the long post, any ideas are welcome. Any personal experience moving funds from TSP to Solo-401k or SDIRA would be very welcome.

Cheers!