Number of hours a week is not the determining factor of employee versus non-employee.  

These are both expenses that I have not put together or factored in yet, however they're a possibility in the long run.

The second biggest determining factor would be a great property manager.

But if proximity is a huge factor, why not try Stamford, CT?  

@James Kramer, I consider two different factors.

Are you factoring in the ARV to your calculations?

Let me know if there are any other considerations or if I'm not taking other factors into account to go the solo 401k route.

You acquire, fix the issue thereby adding value, properly market, and sell for top dollar (relatively).But, if your answer is an external factor beyond possible repair (general area, the manufactured/trailer homes a block away, the major highway with retail/industrial vibe a block in the other direction, etc.), then you're probably better off moving on to the next one.  

There are other calculations that you have to factor in to get to your adjusted cost basis such as recapture of depreciation and adding capital improvements to the basis.- Can I use the closing cost amount of the old and new home as part of the tax free money I can spend from the 1031 exchange or these closing cost are purely out of pocket amounts?

Second, there are a number of factors that distinguish an independent contractor from an employee and paying for someones insurance would definitely not help your argument that they are an independent contractor.