zero leverage. nothing feels better than streams of long term income with no bills to pay. leverage might get you more properties but nothing beats opening the mailbox and getting a check versus a bill...

Focusing on income over appreciation as this is our retirement, although my wife and I have several non-RE streams of income. 

Then the numbers become irrelevant except when you are sipping ice tea in Scottsdale at a world famous resort pool during the winter months and you are comparing the two income streams.

Occasionally the smaller brokerages have a investing as there primarily income stream as opposed to selling to owner occupants.

I have created a good Absentee with Equity and I get a steady stream of probate lists.

The kids we currently have also seem to like their 65-80inch smart TV's with WiFi that enables heavy streaming.

Why give up a constant stream of income that is also building equity for you?

Which one is more catered to the small business owner looking to expand knowledge and look for advertising ideas as well as ways to expand revenue streams.

Duplexes around universities in College Station/Bryan, Austin, Lubbock, San Marcos, etc. are good for older college students who want to live off-campus and pay less than they would for a brand new apartment, and provides you with a steady stream of cash flows.

It sounds like you have a good career in pharmacy and other streams of income on top of that, so why take the net worth hit of taxes and penalties if you don't have to and can reach your real estate goals within the Solo 401(k) while enjoying tax-deferred wealth building?