Yes, 401(k) plans, IRAs, SEP-IRAs and all other kinds of retirement plans are still the backbone of your wealth accumulation, especially if they are self-directed.

I have had thoughts and considerations of doing such a thing for some time but wondered would it be something worth doing, as in people would use it, find value in it, enough to offset the time and investment of self into creating and maintaining it. 

Defense was just something like I just wanted to buy a part of San Francisco for cheap, I wasn't planning to do anything sinister.   

Over the past 6 months I have been really researching and devoting myself to self improvement and learning.

I’m self managing myself but the tax side of it is a little confusing to me but I’m recording everything involved as far as maintenance, traveling, expenses etc. just want to know what some people would do in my situation or what to I can benefit from come tax season  @Angelo LlamasI recommend that you find a real estate accountant to help you understand and prepare your taxes.Bigger Pockets is a great place to find a real estate tax accountant. 

Companies self-certify on a one page form to INC.I wouldn't describe any of this as "conservative."

Solution: You are not going to like what I am going to say here, but it really comes down to your self-discipline, which is why this is probably the hardest aspect of achieving your goals.

If you’re self managing and personally moving and wish to keep self managing in your new location. 

In my case, I have residential rentals in one LLC, commercial properties in another, self storage in a third, and my real estate company operates in a fourth.

@Erik EstradaThe crazy part was that when I had spoken with the Self Directed IRA custodian, Equity Trust Company, they had given me a list of lenders clients had previously used.