Earnings are simply earnings derived from plan capital, and do not count as contributions to the plan. 

Fix & flip loans have gotten a lot cheaper in the last 12 months, wondering what everyone is paying at this point.If you would like to contribute to finding out where the market is for pricing, a template is belowLocation:Rate:Points:LTV:Credit:Experience: Interested to see what is considered overpaying in 2020/2021. 

However, I have seen 99% do it wrong as you have to properly track contributions/distribution, most of the basic tax elections are missing, and others. 

Live in one unit and hopefully eliminate my expenses from renting out the other unit, or at least make my contribution of the monthly payments go towards principal, which is a huge win over my current $1600 rental payments I'm making right now going straight down the toilet.

He has no cash capital to contribute to the deals (all of which will have about 25% down payment and another 20-100k in rehabs.).

@Michelle Paulsen You state "I want to retire before age 65 so I am leaning towards not putting money in"On the contrary, the single best way to ensure that retirement at 65 is to contribute to the 401k.I don't know your W2 income nor your age, but lets suppose: $40,000 (modest income) and 25 years old.Lets suppose a very modest 2% annual raise.Lets suppose NO match from your employer.At 65 you will have an income of $88,000/year.BUT you will have over $3.5 million in the "bank" (10% annual return) and could retire with a retirement income of $285,000/year.Additionally, you could retire at 51 and replace your income (that would be $67K at the time.)You can adjust for your current starting salary but the ratios remain the same.By the way, I am NOT saying don't invest in real estate. 

Long story short, due to the lender making some serious mistakes during the refi process they paid for the refi appraisal, all closing costs and the loan officer contributed her/his commission because of the mistake.

If needed I can buy it in my name only, but we would both really like to get her on the title, and have her contribute to the deal.

The issue is everywhere I go left and right I’m told by every financial advisor that #1 max out 401k contributions and Roth then go to brokerage accounts or real estate.

You can use this entity to adopt a truly self-directed Solo 401k plan and reduce your tax liability even more since it has high contribution limit of up to $58K/yr.