I am wanting to invest 100% into real-estate whether it is flip and sell and/or long term rentals. 

This enhanced financial profile may lead to better loan terms and lower interest rates.6.

Here are a few options and considerations:Commercial Loan or Portfolio Lender: Some commercial lenders or portfolio lenders may be more flexible in financing properties under an LLC, especially if the property will be used for commercial purposes like short-term rentals (Airbnb).

The original lease from the owner who owned it at the time it was installed had hand writing on it for payments that increased per 5 year term is what it looked like if I recall correctly.

IMHO in order to secure the best terms, you'll want to stick with W-2 for the purchase.

I only know about the times where this was found out prior to closing, obviously I have no way to know about the times this shady behavior wasn't found out.Since you get a vote in who this tenant is, and it's retail, PSA that commercial lenders (especially the ones offering the best terms...) are starting to vet deals by how 'recession proof' the tenants are, even if they are currently paying on time.

If you prioritize debt reduction and long-term financial security, allocating extra funds towards paying off your mortgage can help achieve your goal sooner.

I dont really see a disadvantage to investing in the self directed field other than it is not as easy to 'cash out' if you need the funds for something else, which is not always a bad things IF you are investing for the longer term, and that you can not leverage as highly as outside a plan.

I’m looking to buy some single or multi family units for long term rentals that would provide at least a moderate degree of cash flow.  

We have had a Strctural Engineer out to the property and while we don't need to conduct repairs within the next 5 years or so, we will need to address both of these things at some point and it will likely cost us about 100k.Any advice on selling or holding for the long term?