The top end contributions are the same as the SEP, but you can get there on less earned income due to the combination of employer profit sharing and employee contributions.A Solo 401k is also not subject to taxation on debt-financed investments which an IRA is.The structure that provides you checkbook control in the 401k is more direct and therefore generally less expensive than the comparable IRA owned LLC.For the most part, if you qualify for the Solo 401k, it is the best overall solution.

Thoughts? Comments?

Looking for someone who is very knowledgeable in aspects of real estate, taxation for various corporate structures, rental properties etc (if they don't know the tax law on short term rents and the tax advantages associated with them then in my eyes they are not qualified).

Technically no, because most RE law and taxation is done at State level.What (I hope) he will improve is the economic climate.

Also, there is no difference from a taxation standpoint between a single member LLC and a sole proprietor.  

This is pretty standard with owner-financing.The use of debt-financing will create exposure to UDFI taxation.  

With more challenges to conventional lending, a lower median income than Anchorage, and a little uncertainty in terms of taxation, staying in a rental might have it's appeal for awhile.I remember the decline from the eighties, this is not the same story.  

As you do, take notes, and I suggest that before you do another investment, have a plan for dealing with the taxation.In every deal I have ever done, taxation was one of the three or four decision factors for buying, selling, holding, etc.  

There is no double taxation.

Tax deeds convey title to the purchaser free of all prior encumbrances (mortgage liens, judgment creditors, etc.) of any kind EXCEPT liens specified by Revenue and Taxation Code Section 3712, Lis Pendens actions and any Federal Internal Revenue Service (IRS) liens that are not discharged by the sale, even though the Tax Collector has provided proper notice to the Internal Revenue Service before that date.