"Dont Risk It"I know you are looking into Checkbook Controlled but the prohibited transactions apply to both retirement accounts.Hope this helps!

And while I do try to put in money into my company IRA account (they match 3%), should I really be putting the rest of the money into my retirement account?

Your personal financial position will play on the right choice, are you retiring in 18 years or 8 years, and too much equity can be difficult and expensive to take out of the walls later on.I don't hold very long, at about 7 to 10 years the depreciation falls with less of an advantage, that means it goes up for sale.

For those who are not aware of the Solo 401k, it's super beneficial --> http://www.irs.gov/Retirement-Plans/One-Participant-401%28k%29-PlansI'd like to set up a Solo 401k for my rental income and I'm wondering if anyone else here is doing that, and if so, how you structure your rentals.

The lab director at the genetics lab, who is nearing retirement, has done well with both rentals and fix-and-flips.

My husband and our other partner are both Veterans, my husband retired here about 8 years ago and Keith our other partner served in the Vietnam war and received a Purple Heart for his service.  

I would consider rentals if it only costs 6.5 for 100 units, that is a great opportunity for retirement sustainability.

My mom is retired with excellent credit but the banks will not give her the loan even though she has money in her self directed IRA, so we have to turn to a hard money then convert to long term financing, so the interest will be higher.

I believe you have already spoiled her retirement account using funds where she and/or her immediate family members benefit.

That wouldn't make retirement very fun (& could deplete your retirement funds as well).