Hi Investor, I am a new Landlord/Homeowner in Los Angeles and have purchased property that is rent controlled.

You have different levels of control over the different parts.   

As any typical 20 year old I don't like to be told what to do throughout the day, I want to have control over the money I make and have the satisfaction of knowing "I did that".

As any typical 20 year old I don't like to be told what to do throughout the day, I want to have control over the money I make and have the satisfaction of knowing "I did that".

But my goal is to be in control as much as I can.

I couldn't find posts that fit my situation precisely, which is why I'm posting here.My goal with REII hope to build a portfolio over the next ~5 years that will allow me to return to public sector employment without facing a significant hit on my salary.

Stay in control of everything you are responsible for and will adjust the numbers as you see fit to have a buying value.  

if not, you are playing two sets of rules here....How about NOT collecting deposit at all when the decision process is so long and completely out of your control? 

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. 

The one drawback of crowd funding for many people is that they are not in control/managing it.