@Cameron Joyner, welcome to BP and congrats on setting goals early.  

And just like so many Bigger Pockets Podcasts and books, I will read and reread until it becomes muscle memory. 

@Jason RyersonFollowing are the similarities and differences between the solo 401k and the self-directed IRA.The Self-Directed IRA and Solo 401k SimilaritiesBoth were created by congress for individuals to save for retirement;Both may be invested in alternative investments such as real estate, precious metals tax liens, promissory notes, private company shares, and stocks and mutual funds, to name a few;Both allow for Roth contributions;Both are subject to prohibited transaction rules;Both are subject to federal taxes at time of distribution;Both allow for checkbook control for placing alternative investments;Both may be invested in annuities;Both are protected from creditors;Both allow for nondeductible contributions; andBoth are prohibited from investing in assets listed under I.R.C. 408(m)The Self-Directed IRA and Solo 401k DifferencesIn order to open a solo 401k, self-employment, whether on a part-time or full-time basis, is required;To open a self-directed IRA, self-employment income is not required;In order to gain IRA checkbook control over the self-directed IRA funds, a limited liability company (IRA LLC) must be utilized;The solo 401k allows for checkbook control from the onset;The solo 401k allows for personal loan known as a solo 401k loan;It is prohibited to borrow from your IRA;The Solo 401k may be invested in life insurance;The self-directed IRA may not be invested in life insurance;The solo 401k allow for high contribution amounts (for 2018, the solo 401k contribution limit is $55,000, whereas the self-directed IRA contribution limit is $5,500);

Create another LLC that will have the operating agreement to show them as members, their % of equity, rate of return, how often will the distribution will be, how will their principal get reduced, and etc.Consult with an attorney on setting it up.The money will sit in a checking account for the LLC.Make sure you are coding them in the balance sheet correctly to keep track of their contribution when distributing profits, interest, principal, and if you do a cash call for covering expenses that the income can't cover.Different ways to go about it.

Or maybe they front half now, half on set up... whatever.

I should have brought my muscle with me (boyfriend and or a 38 preferably the latter).One building, way in the back of the whole complex, needs total rehab, however I don't think that was part of the package.

This misses the point.I'm thinking along the lines of being the muscle behind an out of town flip in order to earn big returns.

(I had a bout of adult onset asthma and I don't want anyone else to go through that)

Compare the cost of liability insurance to cover your net worth to the amount you spend on setting up and maintaining your LLC(s).

One thing to consider when establishing a partnership in real estate is to discuss how you will disperse profits and agree on the onset on working capital levels.