I'm interested in investing in rentals and flipping houses but I first wanted to do my homework on the subject.

See number 1 but keep in mind what will be passed to you is typically a NET profit or Loss item and a few other adjustments that are subject to the rest of your tax situation.3.

Of course you are also subject to fair housing laws.

Stocks are subject to risk.If there's any chance living with your brother might not work out, I'd consider keeping and renting the house.

I think that is why so many of us have different opinions on this subject. 

However, you can use isolation pads under the feet of your bed, and theirs if you want to breach that subject...  

Would it be possible to enter into a purchase agreement with him, subject to him obtaining the ability to sell from the court?

Following are the similarities and differences between the solo 401k and the self-directed IRA.The Self-Directed IRA and Solo 401k Similarities Both were created by congress for individuals to save for retirement;Both may be invested in alternative investments such as real estate, precious metals tax liens, promissory notes, private company shares, and stocks and mutual funds, to name a few;Both allow for Roth contributions;Both are subject to prohibited transaction rules;Both are subject to federal taxes at time of distribution;Both allow for checkbook control for placing alternative investments;Both may be invested in annuities;Both are protected from creditors;Both allow for nondeductible contributions;Both are prohibited from investing in assets listed under I.R.C. 408(m); andNeither may be invested in your own business. 

@Jared MackIf you have met a distribution event under the 401k regulations, you can take in-kind distributions (in this case the real estate) which would subject the distribution amount to federal and possibly state taxes but not the 10% early distribution if you are over age 59/12.

My goal is to purchase 2 multi-units (I will house hack) and possibly a commercial property.Financing is subject matter that I definitely need more information on and hope to get ideas here.After doing some research, there is definitely a need in AL to have a BiggerPockets network group. :)