@Candace Wiley - While you will not have to file a separate return for the vacation rental, you will have to include it on either Schedule E or Schedule C of your personal return depending on a few factors and the circumstances revolving around the services provided to your tenants.  

@Brad E. , common mistake to make to not get them signed.

They didn't like that payment.So- my guess is that it will have zero effect on your d/e, but they don't use common sense.  

Tony, to answer your questions:1) That fact that you are currently employed has no weight on your ability to qualify (or disqualify) for a Solo 401k.

That same Market Analysis may show you "not" to invest where you think you want to.3 - These are not E/E Strategies.  

It's not a lot of money, it's just "something e" to 

I imagine that this would be a safer option because you could A) have tenants help to service your debt B) have up to a 30 year payback period C) write off interest debt D) depreciate the property E) enjoy lower interest rates.Am I missing something?

There are 10 major cities from which to choose (or I could choose a National Composite Index (CUS) that represents the stock-weighted average of all 10 cities).All of these options seem like a broad-based solution to a potentially localized situation.  

I read an E-book by Sean Terry called ultimate real estate investment.  

A quick read would be The Richest Man in Babylon E myth