Many opt for other investing methods in their SDIRA like private lending, crypto, private equity...anything except collectibles and life insurance.Note that a Solo 401k is exempt from UBIT on leveraged real estate so if you have self employment activity and no full time employees save for you and your spouse you should consider the Solo K as an option. 

I recommend two accounts: checking and savings.

I bought this property with a private interest free loan from a friend. the person i bought it from need cash fast so i offered them a low cash offer and they accepted.I had enough money saved up to rehab the house with my savings.

While sophistication of your equity partners (private money lenders) will vary between residential and commercial, the principle of raising private capital is the same.You need to develop your own system which allows a constant stream of PML even when you don't need the funds and/or don't have an active deal under contract.For example; I raise private capital by offering free educational workshops for people with self-directed IRAs.

Private lender

What kind of savings do you guys have in addition to the income savings each month? 

I imagine others don't like that it's in an older condo building without private laundry.

Quote from @Conrado Balicusto: Quote from @Chris Seveney: @Ryan DaultonWe use it for private lending - because the tax benefits are lost with real estate When lending usually it’s taxed at ordinary income rates if using your own cash so using a sdira I prefer for lending and my w2 income savings for real estate to maximize tax efficiency  Thank you for the insight on private lending and tax efficiency.

Since my firm is an investor private client boutique, I do not share resources outside of my client base.

In 1-2 years you could save enough to purchase a home to house hack.