Ideally, you'd want to invest passively with your retirement account, couple examples will be owning a rental property or doing private lending.Based on the above it would be best to do the wholesaling outside of a tax-deferred vehicle, but use profits from this activity to contribute into truly self-directed Solo 401k.

(At least in the price ranges I deal with, sub $300k.)  

Funny enough I married in to a family that does R/E development. 

Ideally we are looking to build one brand new.

As a community i bet we would all crowdfund a project with a quick turnaround (3-6 months) in between our deals for a reasonable return (5-10% depending the experience of the developer)2.

LA around the metro stops there are a lot of developments coming online, I can see multifamily in those areas getting into the oversupply territory.Where in LA are you looking?

Working as a property manager I have developed a passion to be my own boss.

I'm originally from the southwest suburbs of Illinois and recently moved to San Francisco for my job as a software developer.

Developing an operating agreement for the LLC will help establish the basis of your business, including capital contributions (HELOC, Loan).

I deal with tree issues pretty regularly as a surveyor.