This seems to be the best alternative outside of investing on my own - which is not something I want to do without experience.Thanks,Kyle

Following are the similarities and differences between the solo 401k and the self-directed IRA.The Self-Directed IRA and Solo 401k SimilaritiesBoth 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. 

Either they simply don't respond back or say that their respective subs are slow in providing numbers.We need to get this project underway and need to find alternate ways to get this project started.

With the low prices and alternative sources such as homepath now is a great time to buy.

I have a plumbing issue that has made the washer connection and kitchen inoperable due to clogged line. It may take 7-10 days to fix depending on the problem (plus factoring in Christmas holiday). Tenant wants me to ...

I'm leaning toward the familiarity of residential cash flow properties, but am getting sucked in by all the different alternatives - from wholesaling to commercial property.I have a partner (and old friend) in the Detroit area who has a team of fix-it people who can refurbish properties, and given that partnership, Detroit's high yield, and depressed market, I plan to target that area first.

Compare that to alternatives and see if you think that's the best you can do with that $92K.

Alternatively (and this may be hard if you're not technically inclined but I thought I'd mention it anyway) you root your iPhone/Android phone (I have a Samsung Galaxy S3) and use it as a Wifi Hotspot for free, as buying/paying for the service is fairly expensive, at least for me.

It's a new industry, so there are still unanswered questions, but we've invested in 20 properties using crowdfunding so far and it's been a great alternative source of capital for the real estate companies we're working with.

It's good that your mentor has good intentions, it certainly beats the alternatives!