Originally I was planning on buying a multi family in the area I live in, but after reviewing my lease, I’ve found that I really can’t break it and I have 8 months left on it.

My current solo-401K plan was being supported by Quest, but they have decided to STOP supporting solo-401K's.

As lenders, well issue a prequal/preapproval letter if we've analyzed your income, assets (bank and brokerage statements to establish that you have the liquidity to afford the down payment, closing costs, and reserves), review credit of the guarantors, review the relevant experience to ensure that we're not throwing our money away on newbies that are wandering around in the dark, and have put together a reasonable plan of attack for the project.

I am planning on buying and holding for the long haul.

Depending on market, I would plan to invest 100k in a single family home, find a good property manager, realtor, attorney in compelling market and just start. 

Although you plan on having your mother live in the home to start you'll want to assess the home using the current rental rates and values in the area.

Lets get the first 1 or 2 done before we plan for 25. 

That’s a good plan. 1031 is a bit complicated but you can continue to roll cost segregation benefits forward  

@Mike Miller Are you planning to purchase properties in the bay area?

Like Mike Tyson said "everyone has got a plan until they get punched in the face."