In addition to the educational components you mentioned, I suggest you network with like-minded investors locally to you and in the areas where you plan to invest. 

Does UMMC offer any incentives in addition to Live Near Your Work?

I could easily put in an additional 30k or so and purchase something in the range of $800K.

A full review is required when a primary buyer is putting less than 10% down or when an investor is putting less than 25% down This review requires a long form questionnaire, budget, by-laws and possible a couple additional documents. 

Therefore, you can deduct items that are directly related(repairs) to the rental units plus items paid indirectly for the rental units(think real estate taxes, interest, insurance).in addition - it looks like you are looking to use parts of the personal residence as a home office.Just note that, it would be hard to prove that you use 100% of the personal residence as a home office. 

Additionally the holes required to run any cable will also need t be repaired.

In addition to your note, with specific payment terms, you need an executed and recorded 2nd mtg/deed of trust.

In terms of rehab I'm looking to invest an additional $10,000 to make improvements, update, and clean up the house to add value.

In addition, they will not allow you to use the income from the departing property if its within 100 miles which I suspect is what Brian was alluding to. 

Here are some reasons why: Compared to an IRA, Solo 401k contributions limits are roughly ten times higher.There is no custodial requirement for the 401k.You don't need the additional expense and administration of an LLC to have checkbook control.There is a built in-Roth component whereas IRAs are either traditional or Roth, not both.A spouse can also participate in the same Solo 401k plan.The Solo 401k has additional tax benefits over an IRA when investing into real estate using leverage.The penalties for prohibited transactions are less severe, though it's best not to utilize this benefit :)