Rhett, thanks for such an in-depth post.

Is there an in-depth expensing technique, or is it based off your personal experiences?

I don't think having a Real Estate license is helpful unless you're actually going to spend the time and effort to learn the local markets in the depth needed. 

Obviously, the companies will try to boost up the rental to entice you to choose them as they indicate they can get this rent; however, I've had analysis done with separate companies both came back with similar figures ~$2100/month rental (they have not performed an in-depth analysis just based on location etc). 

If you’re up for a challenge maybe I can run a few ideas by you to get more in-depth?

The interesting concept of what defines "active" in a JV partnership and who would be the best partner in the venture is a whole different in depth discussion.  

But I totally agree with you, if eligible - this would be a superior vehicle to SDIRA.Here is a related in-depth discussion on the subject that many readers can benefit from:https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/51/topics/527877-self-directed-solo-401k-for-real-estate-investors-q-and-a

I greatly appreciate your responses in depth.

I think looking at it this is bit of manipulation. 

Here's an in depth article talking about these failures of stress tests released by Stanford.The factors above were not causes but rather similarities we saw in both economies during each respective time period.