This would come from any past employer 401k plans you might have that you can rollover to your self-directed Solo401k and utilize for investments. 

Our past clients have utilized this strategy for their first 2-3 small-multifamilies, and just over 3-4 years have 10-12 rentals doors.

There are fixed costs you won't be able to get away from utilities, insurance, etc and are typically stable year to year or with some measured growth.

While the marketing side would essentially give you another full-time job, it could yield results and bring more options forward.Your agent can help you source most prospective deals while utilize your own marketing efforts to find potential deals. 

Look historically what utilities has been costing and charge a flat rate. 

Pros to my current position: Secure, w2, pay is above average, benefits are stellar, schedule is somewhat flexible (can leave if I need to without penalty; vacation when I want - utilizing banked time on both), 3 miles from home, and hopefully a pension in 17 years. 

I have purchased and utilized the deal Automator and can give you at least my side of what I experienced.

The tenants pay for all their own utilities.

With your skills and background I would guess you would be best utilized with a larger organization that has the deal volume to afford to pay you full time.

I work in Albuquerque, NM and wear many hats utilizing many tools.20 rental units12 active flips - recs to purchase -some are now rec notes-private money on the flips utilizing retirement plans/corporate/nonprofit funds-wholesaling and I have started a new platform of providing financed wholesales.would love to see if my knowledge is of value to others.