Condos are less expensive to buy, but you have condo fees and special assessments and condo rules.

It passes the 1% rule, but it barely does.

With regard to the proximity to the beach, I tend to have a beach distance of 15 min or 5 mile rule, whichever is less. 

I generally see literature as such, and cannot tell if having a part time employee removes the chance of solo 401k or if the custodians just don't want to deal with it:"IRS rules prohibit contributions to a solo 401(k) if you have full-time employees, but you can use the plan to cover yourself and your spouse into retirement."

Quote from @Brandon Foster: Hello Ryan,STR is do able in the north county area but there are a lot of rules and regulations.The city of Oceanside right now will not allow anything STR unless it’s west of pacific coast hwy.This is changing a lot too so you need to be aware of that in your plans.Carlsbad is super strict too but there are some condos that are still available to do STR in.Medium term rentals are as safer bet but way less profitable.

I invest in the Kissimmee area, #1 rule of buying real estate is location. 

We do not verify identities, that would be a bigger lift than we are capable of currently, however it is against the rules to use a false identity per section 2.A of our website rules here https://www.biggerpockets.com/rulesSo anyone discovered using a false identity will be removed if they are reported to spam.

It can also be an opportunity to discuss house rules and expectations to ensure you're on the same page.While being cost-conscious is understandable, investing a little upfront for proper screening can save you a lot of trouble in the long run.

For FHA, I would ask your lender to confirm that they considered the 100 mile rule in calculating DTI.

That means that bank has its own set or rules/guidlines and can offer exceptions and offer more programs.