Each state has a statutory limit (that's the $5,000 you mentioned, some states go up to $15,000) and if you go over it then you are in a different division, but the same court (Superior Court in NJ and PA).

The bottom line is that if the fact that Solo 401k plan is superior to an IRA prompts you to start a legitimate business that you perhaps were considering in the past but never done it is a good thing.

It is called Superior Walls.

A return on equity of 17% or 18% is considered very good, 20% excellent, and 25% and above, superior. 

When the current offer stalls like this, your reply can then be:I have backup offers that are superior to yours, so if you walk, I will do better. 

However if you are eligible - this plan is superior to SD IRA for several major reasons.Your former employer 401k can be rolled over into either self-directed plan.The topic of self-directed investing is a frequent discussion here on the forum so my suggestion to you would be to do a search using related keyword and you will find plenty of conversations to read and learn from. 

Wolf and SubZero are both superior to Thermador and Viking.

I just would like to add that being self-employed as a real estate agent you qualify for a truly self-directed Solo 401k plan, which is superior to SD IRA.

This may be an option for your wife.Justin, your understanding is correct, a truly self-directed Solo 401k plan is superior in it's benefits to SD IRA, however it is not for everyone.

The finish out, while not high quality, would be superior to just about everything available in these markets.