Solo 401k for Unemployeed/Stay at Home Mom?

[Adam Goldberg]

Hi All, My wife and I are about to have our first child and she may not be going back to work. Simultaneously, we are about to start the search for our first home and either flip or rent after 2 years. We were going to go the traditional mortgage route, but I recently listened to an early podcast that explained Self-Directed IRAs and it sounded like something to look into further. In searching the BP forums, it looks like there are these Solo 401k's that people suggest too, but need to be self-employees in order to qualify. While I plan to stay a W2 employee, my wife would a stay at home mom. Curious what are the legal requirements to be considered "self-employed" if we wanted to pursue the Solo 401k for a Real Estate investment. Thanks in advance! -Adam