The last scenario regarding having access to the real estate owned by the solo 401k plan, can only generally work if you take the property out of the solo 401k plan (in-kind distribution) and pay taxes on the value of the property after you get an independent third-party appraisal. 

On the investment group I would look closely on the valuations given and independently do you own numbers.

Nick Kutschke so are they W2 employees or independent contractors?

If you get very serious about purchasing, there's an excellent book called "Coin Laundries - Road to Financial Independence" by Emerson G.

My goal is to be financially independent with real estate and use the money I make from engineering to continue to invest in more properties and grow my company.

@Troy Peters I found BP through the FIRE (Financially Independent/Retire Early) world of mrmoneymustache.com, madfientist.com and the book Your Money or Your Life which has shaped the way I view money.  

I get an independent opinion on repairs needed versus the locals who know this is my first rodeo. 

My second year was probably like most people's first year as I attempted to be a more independent agent, but not entirely so either since I already had a history of sales from my first year.

Joe J.I know there are a lot of RE agents that want to invest or would like to have an independent business.

@Susan JojolaAre they independent units with separate entrances, kitchens, bathrooms?