This was a fully gutted brand new apartment with new Sheetrock walls that had to be cut a couple feet from the now cement floor to prevent black mold and bacteria from growing.

A self-directed Solo 401k or IRA could be used to invest into real estate, but those investments would grow your retirement account balance which you can use as income when you take distributions, presumably in retirement.

I'm really looking forward to learning and growing with the help of the Bigger Pockets community, and sharing the things I learn along the way.

I do agree that the economy is doing very well in Seattle and there is a thriving tech industry that keeps growing every year.  

I am much better when I earn my money in a high growth area/job, and invest it in a consistently growing area, a predictable lateral moving and well diversified economy.  

However, if your high income makes you ineligible for the net passive loss allowance, using your ordinary income rather than rental income to make rental property repairs will not reduce the tax liability on your ordinary income. 

Also, even though my tax basis will be lower which means higher taxes for me when I sell, it would be treated as capital gains instead of ordinary income. 

There may be some risk if you foreclose on the property and the property becomes yours.From a tax perspective - holding tax liens likely won't generate ordinary income that is subject to self-employment taxes; which negates some benefits from an S-corp.

I own 3 SFR rentals and would like to continue growing. 

The Houston economy is one of the biggest and fastest growing in the Nation/World so it is a great place to invest if you take the proper precautions.Here is one: http://www.harriscountyfemt.org/This is an interactive flood zone map.