A few notes on your comment to this aged post thread to shed some additional light since you don't know much about us...Aloha Capital has funded over 3,000 loans since 2015 on nearly 1 billion of residential investment properties and to date has ~ 0.4% default rate.

Eg find contractors in ages out of state.

My son (age 24) however, is an independant contractor / self employed and is trying to buy a house. 

@Andreas Mathews,Good for you at looking to make a change no matter the age.

Yes, I understand the distinction. 

I thought SDIRA max contribution is $5,500 or $6,500 if over the age of 55?  

I'm an independent agent here in AR and I write a lot of rental property, with ~6 preferred markets and if the properties have some issues, age, claim history etc.

We want to plan in the most tax vantaged ways (which includes keeping future AGI as low as possible) and open to new-age and creative concepts.Respectfully ask to keep discussion to topic vs. selling one's self or services seeking new business.

Currently you don’t have a distinct color palette or concept.

Starting with your wife and possibly your kids depending on age (for example, they can help clean between tenants, this starts  their education [Check with your accountant because you may be able to pay your kids and take a deduction].- - While you will do the lion share, can you take advantage of your wife's talents and availability?