Also, independently verify all the numbers.  

So make sure you're also enjoying the things that add value to your life, which are ultimately the reason for REI/financial independence.

and we pay her just like she is independent.. but because she does not have to market for the listings she is willing to do it for a reduced fee.. 

Don't get caught up in flipping or wholesaling...unless you want to work your *** off and never reach financial independence.

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.