This can greatly improve your lending situation!

The following covers the self-employment rules. https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/self-employed-individuals-tax-center

- I could pay cash - assuming this would improve my chances at best offer. 

We have made numerous offers following conservative guidelines (BP calculators, 1%, 70% rules, etc) and have not had our offers taken seriously.

I contacted the Realtor and asked what improvements have been made, and if the current month-to-month tenants are able to move out by time of possession (I dont want to inherent tenants).  

these homes are traded more like commercial properties.. once they become rentals they pretty much stay that way the rest of their lives... so the resale value is totally related to the gross rents.. as each investor gets taught the 2% rule or 1% rule etc etc..

And of course, I would like to improve my ROI.I am willing to take action as needed, but not until I am ready.

Solo 401k plans are no different then full-time employer plans in that they are both sponsored by a business; however, the IRS created solo 401k plans to even the playing between big company employer plans  by relaxing the rules for self-employed businesses to be able to qualify for solo 401k plans (see IRS Pub. 560 which list the requirements to qualify for a self-employed 401k).

More than 15 years of experience in an international customer service environment.My goal is to constantly improve my skills and knowledge of the real estate industry, particularly in sales, where extensive experience and expertise can be utilised.

I started doing some home flipping from 2001 - 2009, then got into buy and hold.I am at a cross roads, so I recently sold some properties, in an effort to have a portfolio of quality over quantity.Not exactly sure what my next move will be, the big challenge for me has been learning about tenant issues, and dealing with some unexpected repairs, both my wife and I took a course and are IPOANS CAM Certified (Certified Property managers).We only manage our own properties, plus have a couple of hired property managers to help with some out of town units, however, I have been studying tenancy rules, laws, and have become addicted to answering property management questions.What attracted me to join this site, is all the different types of real estate investment people are involved in.I look forward to participating in the forum.Michael P Currie