DepreciationNo self employment tax on passive incomeYou get to write off your mileage, interest, taxes, and other expenses related to the investment property.

If you had a medium size commercial property and you are doing massive amounts of work then I could see the need for all of that but otherwise...forget it.

@Marisa RoweI believe that the market is still very strong for both rental and housing as population and job growth has continued to steadily rise along with great diversification of employment.

You'll need comps that are sold as close to you as possible, as recently as possible and similar in size, style and features as possible.Good luck!

If you position size properly, RE and stock market can work for you.

Maybe 25 to 50 basis points or so on medium size properties in the 3 to 5 million range.

Credit Report - This to me isn't quite as important as above, and good landlord and employment references, but would still like to know how you check and if you check.

If you are investing and trying to move from the left side of the quadrant as an employee or self employed to the right by being a home provider (investor), then year long tax planning should be a regular event for you.

@Justin K. the insurance I have on the two rentals I own in the same area, adjusted for size.

@Rupert GrantAs you probably already know Solo 401k plan is not for everyone - you must have legitimate self-employment activity or business with earned income in order to qualify for it.