You can have a "solo 401k" at one of the major financial firms like Vanguard or Fidelity but they only allow you to invest in their portfolio of stocks, bonds and mutual funds. 

I do not necessarily want to liquidate stocks due to the capital gain implications. 

Brokerage firms limit their clients to stocks, bonds and mutual funds.

I think it makes no sense since the 1M or so Invested in the stock market can bring me a better return - or I can put it down for my next house instead of selling stocks….What am i missing?

Sell some stocks.

Even cash out can get you up to 75% if needed for investment properties.Do you have any stocks to pledge and get it leveraged?

Think about your investing plan and which should come first: stock growth or cash flow.Think on being diversified.

I know I can start an LLC but if I am the sole owner of the LLC, can any one get to my personal property (home, stocks, etc.)? 

I would say one of the reasons to invest in real estate over say stocks is that you can use more leverage and the leverage is on much more favorable terms.

Also, I do find it interesting how no mention is made to the fact that that retirement account grew to 1.5MM over time probably due to stock appreciation where the individual did not have to touch a thing and probably averaged a healthy, tax-deferred return over decades.I do agree that the podcast has turned a lot more salesy/pitchy in recent times.