I see that some solo401k (or self-directed or self employed 401ks) cost money to open while others appear to be free, $0 to open and $0 annual maintenance (like Fidelity and TD Ameritrade).

I'll likely be in contact with you down the road to inquire about the lending your employer does.Good luck with your venture, it's good to see someone willing to give back.

Lastly I am also looking for employment opportunities that would help increase my knowledge of real estate overall. 

If you need someone to hold your hand all the time, you may not be cut out to be self employed.    

It appears your investment sold above the median price for Orange County, likely due to improved employment and tight inventory.

The art of music, gives everyone a voiceThe art of science, brings the power to heal others and the world we live inThe art of language allows us to share with the worldThe culinary arts allow us to feed others without poisonThe art of money, brings the financial freedom to enjoy our lives and spend more time with family than in your employment. 

Note also that self-employment income (if she's the owner) is scrutinized more carefully than corporate W-2 income, so be prepared for tighter requirements from lenders.

I looked into the Pocatello market about 5 years ago but the employment outlook wasn't great due to Heinz so I purchased in Idaho Falls instead. 

Its just knowing which ones to use to get what you want and what the pro's and con's are between each product given the goals you're trying to accomplish.A lot of bankers and independents in socal broker to TCF like Chris mentions above.I've had good experience getting rental income to be used in similar context to the above mentioned.The formula is simple for rentals that dont yet show up on your tax return its 75% of gross income minus PITIA (principal/interest/taxes/insurance/assessments) to arrive at your net income figure that will either be added to your income column if its positive or a liability to be qualified for if its negative.In cases where you just want to do a cash out refinance loan you could use 1 year tax program with Freddie Mac to avoid having to average both your 2015 and 2014 which causes more paperwork and more things for an underwriter to sift through and demand verifications and documentation on.The nice part about using a 1 year tax program for self employment or realtor income (in your case) is that since there is only 1 year tax for your self employment we only need to use 1 year tax income on your rentals  as well which is a little known secret in the residential conventional lending world.This is great when you have a great 2015 or past return but your 2014 or 2 year ago return was not as good.

Hi Adam,I usually work with my ex-employer's Credit Union (Baxter Credit Union).