@Harry MetzingerActually, it is possible to have multiple participating employers for a Solo 401(k), so your sole proprietorship and your LLC could act as plan sponsors.  

I can't comment on your deal, but I personally use LendingClub.com, participating as a lender.

Then once I'm no longer a total newbie I may ask a family member if they would want to participate, but I'd never pressure them to and I'd make sure I had other options if they say no.

I appreciate the warm welcome, and looking forward to participating in all the great forums. 

(Though you may want to wait until you've done a deal together to see if you really want to work with this person.)If you're just starting out, you probably want this person to be actively involved, because his participation in the partnership will give comfort to lenders, and will help you satisfy the experience requirement most of them have.  

Here's a resource for ESOP basics, distribution and rollover rules:https://www.nceo.org/articles/esop-participant-dis...Depending on how you take distributions, you could build up your retirement accounts over time and invest in REI through those accounts as well as outside.

This is all from research, I have not actually been a witness or participant in any type of deal, so my knowledge of processes and what not are spotty. 

Hello @Jason Unrath Welcome to the site and I must agree with those who encouraged you to get involved and participate.

Gives you more flexibility and if you like real estate, it's a good way to get into the business instead of investing in stocks which you don't have an active participation in. 

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