Yes, 401(k) plans, IRAs, SEP-IRAs and all other kinds of retirement plans are still the backbone of your wealth accumulation, especially if they are self-directed.

I know for example we can fund up to 90% of the purchase and 100% of the rehab when we're funding the purchase and the rehab.

See the fact that mortgage rates are up about 1% from Oct when the fed started to cut the fed funds overnight rate as evidence. 

Question• Has anyone formed an llc to start and fund their 1st real estate purchase using a SBA loan?

I financed this property using down payment funds from 403B and a local commercial bank.

We are starting to explore options for buying his shares to eliminate him as a risk and a roadblock but still have funds leftover for growth.

Selling multiple properties in a 1031 exchange to consolidate funds for one investment property is allowed, but the property must initially be used solely for investment.This post does not create a CPA-Client relationship.

Find a sponsor, reach out, tell them you're Canadian, they approve, review and sign LP docs, wire funds.

If they don't NEED the money for a down payment elsewhere, the income could certainly fund their payment at a new home, rental or retirement home. 

Be sure to have funds you can tap in case of emergency or inevitable market dips. - Most Fortune 5000 (and others) companies do this.