I recommend finding an accountant who specializes in real estate taxation over one that is local.

Trader income (which I assume to mean stocks and bonds or the like) isn't earned/active income that you can put into the solo 401k. 

I do think most of the MLS stuff is over priced here in the area specially knowing the rent values according to neighborhoods.

As stated above, as long as you get an experienced 203k lender on your team, and effectively compile a list of 5-7 licensed, insured, and bonded contractors to bid the project, it’s absolutely worth the endeavor.

No special favors for family because they are most likely to screw you over. 

I'd say that is a personal question but I would not do a cash out refi where the fees make up more than 10% of my cash out amount, UNLESS, you need that cash immediately for a new deal where you will make substantially more money than the money lost, or you are also reducing you APR to a point where the interest saved will make up the fees over time.Also I just did a cash out for 50K where the bank I worked with had a low income neighborhood special and closing costs were only $500 bucks (lender fees, and title fees) so might want to shop around and see if you have any local banks that do something similar.

D: A licensed, bonded, and insured general contractor in Anchorage.

And if the mortgage agent is not able to really clearly map it out for you then seek out another mortgage agent that specializes in rental properties.  

You can rent these books from your local library and they are very helpful:Form Your Own Limited Liability Companyhttps://store.nolo.com/product...Your Limited Liability Companyhttps://store.nolo.com/product...Also, here is the info on doing it in the state of Alabama:https://www.sos.alabama.gov/bu...Typically if the structure of your LLC is relatively simple (only 1-3 members) and no special agreements, it should be pretty straight forward to get it going.

Owner-occupied conventional loans typically go as low as 5% and sometimes as low as 3% in special conditions.