More details below:The biggest issue with regular 401k is the crappy options that have heavy fees.I don't really like Self Directed Roths or any tax sheltered retirement accounts either because you are subject to UDFI (more details below) and cannot leverage your investment which is a pillar in real estate investing.

@Timothy Brown I would highly recommend @Carlos Paz with Five Pillars Realty Group as a great resource.

I suggest Three Pillars Law out of Colorado.

I often break it down into the "five pillars" of protecting your assets.1st pillar is avoiding unnecessary and risky activities (don't drink and drive, insurance generally won’t cover your poor decisions) and take good care of your investments - these simple steps will help you prevent lawsuits before they even occur.2nd pillar is a good insurance policy as that cover the majority of your exposure.

Consumers redirected their purchasing toward “the five pillars of the COVID lifestyle”: (1) working from home, (2) entertaining at home, (3) educating at home, (4) exercising at home, and (5) keeping a “healthy home” (keeping your homes clean and germ-free, which has in turn spurred sales of air purifiers and vacuum cleaners).

You still have the other 3 pillars of the quadrant (appreciation, depreciation, debt pay down).For example, here is a screen shot of an analysis I was running the other day on a HH.

Generally though, I break it down into the "five pillars" of protecting your assets.

Following @Mike Dymski 's four pillars of real estate idea of appreciation, depreciation, cash flow and paydown.

I often break it down into the "three pillars" of protecting your assets.The first pillar is avoiding unnecessary and risky activities (don't drink and drive, insurance generally won’t cover your poor decisions) and take good care of your investments - these simple steps will help you prevent lawsuits before they even occur.

I bought properties from people that were presented to me as "church friends" of the seller and pillars of the community and after I purchased their portfolios the same things happened to me.