If you are self-employed, then there is even a better option available: truly self-directed Solo 401k, which does not require a custodian and nor the LLC to get the checkbook control.

A few months ago around Christmas time we were doing a bathroom remodel for a new homeowner on a house that was flipped, the master bathroom was a disaster, there isn't enough space to go into all the things wrong, so I'll just tell you about the bathtub - jetted tub they bought from Home Depot, so it was a de-engineered Jacuzzi model, low horsepower pump, less jets than the non Home Depot version, but it looked new and shiney. 1) Tub wasn't sitting on the sub-floor, was suspended by it's rim, even it they had built the tub deck correctly to size based on everything else I sure they wouldn't have poured a mortar base for it to sit in.

I really want to build a nice size portfolio and have tremendous CF by the end of this year but I need to start now.

Sometimes people have a sad story (I'm sure at time some are true and some are not) but unless they have a proven good credit rating and good employment, they will not rent a house from me.  

Like many small-medium sized towns in Nebraska, there's a housing shortage and properties priced right move quickly.  

Now the basement can be your Unicorn in a house that size and get a quick sale.  

Each market will offer a different property type (SFR vs MFR, age, size, location, etc.) and a different price range.

Unemployment is to assist you in finding gainful employment so you must be actively searching and available to work (not working in your own business on the side). 

Real estate is not a 1-size fits all thing in terms of "what someone should look for"2.

Unless you have a decent size of down payment greater than 3.5% (Basic FHA down).