I am preparing to sit for the state exam in a few days and wonder which brokerage  in the Austin (Lake Travis area) will be best for a newbie?  

Unlike an IRA, 401k is NOT a subject to UBIT on leveraged real estate, this is one of several major advantages truly self-directed Solo 401k plan has over self-directed IRA and since you qualify for it you owe it to yourself to examine this option.

These are my first steps in this direction, so it is definitely simultaneously exciting and nerve wracking!

Throw the hard numbers out and let's examine it.  

It gets easier, but that first one is nerve wracking!

Simultaneous examination of sales comparables and income producing properties is also essential for determining how much "meat is on the bone," what exit strategies to consider, and whether or not it's a viable opportunity for investment. 

@Brian Gibbons Thank you for replying so quickly Both my wife and I have passed the Florida Real Estate License exam in December.

I am sitting for SA exam in two weeks and will need a broker to "oversee" my RE work....I have a few questions that came up recently:1.  

Lots of nerves, but lots of excitement.  

Which I do already have.He was also very impressed with the letter I sent.Now, to get through the nerves of anticipating the phone call and negotiating the purchase price.