Self-directed Solo 401k plan is a great choice, it will not only enable you to invest in alternative assets, but it is also great tax-sheltering vehicle, allowing you to shelter up to $53,000 per year from your income.Good luck! 

I don't think TRUST is the appropriate vehicle - - consider an LLC or S-Corp

You do not need an appraisal if the property is:Nonpublicly traded stock of $10,000 or less,A vehicle (including a car, boat, or airplane) for which your deduction is limited to the gross proceeds from its sale,Qualified intellectual property, such as a patent,Certain publicly traded securities described next,Inventory and other property donated by a corporation that are “qualified contributions” for the care of the ill, the needy, or infants, within the meaning of section 170(e)(3)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code, orStock in trade, inventory, or property held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of your trade or business.Although an appraisal is not required for the types of property just listed, you must provide certain information about a donation of any of these types of property on Form 8283.

I am old fashioned and keep a log book in the vehicle.

They should be able to provide competent guidance as to choice of business vehicle (i.e., where to organize and in what form).An LLC is a limited liability corporation and an LLP is a limited liability partnership.

I'm interested in investing in long term buy and hold 2-4 unit properties and my goals are to 1.) have a better investment vehicle than a stock index and 2.) have enough passive income in ten years to retire if I wanted to (although I doubt I will actually want to retire). 

As investment vehicles, the self-directed IRA and Solo 401(k) are largely similar, providing considerable flexibility and control. 

Originally posted by @Nikhil Nirmel:I just wanted to mention that my new home equity crowdfunding startup will use DSTs as investment vehicles that each effectively purchase units of individual properties' equities.

A DST is not necessarily the right vehicle to use for asset protection and anonymity - it is the right vehicle to use in lieu of a 1031 exchange for certain tax advantages.

I would also state that anything left behind when they do show up for their scheduled move out, will be thrown away, so they need to ensure they bring help and a large enough moving vehicle to take their stuff.