I have heard that this can INCREASE value of your home substantially, and also INCREASE RENT potential for buy-hold properties.  

I like to use a HELOC to replace my 1st as I have substantial equity in the home.

There are, however, many advantages to a Solo 401k over an IRA.The contribution limits are far higher, the plan can include a loan feature, and substantial amounts of Roth contributions can be made.

All contracts, options, or other devices not based upon a substantial consideration, or that are otherwise employed to permit an unlicensed person to sell, lease, or let real estate, the beneficial title to which has not, in good faith, passed to such party for a substantial consideration, are hereby declared void and ineffective in all cases, suits, or proceedings had or taken under this chapter; however, this section shall not apply to irrevocable gifts, to unconditional contracts to purchase, or to options based upon a substantial consideration actually paid and not subject to any agreements to return or right of return reserved.

The plan is to pay off all of our family debt (car/truck/student loan), put a substantial down payment on what I consider to be our first home and then put $100k towards my "business."  

As @April Crossley identified.. most CASH flow markets.. the values are simply what a cash flow investor will pay nothing more will be nothing more and the liquidity is limited to those looking for 10% plus returns... unless you rents go up substantially the value of the SFR's just never move and over time  you need higher monthly returns becasue your going to feed it right back in with cap ex and if you have a bummer tenant and every one gets one.. that cost you 5 to 6k in lost rent and make ready.. your cash flow home has now lost 3 YEARS of income.. so it will take you 3 years to get back what you lost and another 3 to get were you were , and thats if those 6 years run perfect.Whereas ,  West coast high priced Real estate comes with VERY stable tenant base and bad days with tenants while rare but its not nearly as pronounced when it does happen.. the properties can be liquidated in a matter of days ( instead of months or years) by simply listing them on MLS.and based on History if you own a rental in a high price west coast market.. you have probably made 50% or better in appreciation on top of someone paying off your property for you..

Tenant also locked one of the bedrooms, because it is stuffed (which we photographed on a previous visit) This increase in clutter started about 3 months ago, and it has increased substantially in the past 2 months.  

and after compiling a substantial list I started my Direct Mail Marketing (DMM) campaign.  

I recently wrote an article on BP about the key indicators in Tucson that point to substantial upside potential in our market and economy.

There are substantial fees and the time restrictions to find your next deal to exchange into.