He may have been talking about savings on self-employment taxes, although I'd question how he's coming to 'reasonable compensation', which he'd have to use in his calculation of tax savings. 

Lots of time spent showing properties for rent, processing applications- running credit checks and verifying employment, We are not on call 24/7, but if ther is an emergency, the tenants have a number to call which is our local plumbing and water remediation Company. 

In our area, the largest employer Apple did not even have layoffs.

No, with truly self-directed Solo 401k plan you can contribute first $18,500 (plus $6,000 catch up if you are over 50 years of age) up to 100% of your self-employment compensation, then on top of that you can do additional 20% of your net SE income (25% if you are incorporated) for combined maximum of $55,000 ($61,000 for those over 50).

Hi there BP members, I am 20 years old and currently self employed through contracts with 7 months of consistent work and am receiving a diploma for Business Administration: Marketing from NBCC this spring.

Key things to consider/evaluate in any geo area: job growth, population growth, major employers in the area (ensure these are permanent ones, f.e. hospital), town/city population size, supply vs demand for housing and what type of housing.

I am self employed, and will claim 60k/year for 2017 and 2018 with no debt.

, is future employment an option?

A employment income is your source of money to invest.Real estate investing is not a career it is a activity.  

Send me a DM or email.3) Check out my recent BP article to look at some strategies you can employ. https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/how-to-use-the-va-loan-to-build-capital-for-real-estate-investing/