It's sometimes defeating to watch these shows on tv in California where the profit margins seem so much larger.

Your 401k can be converted into self-directed retirement plan giving you the control over the investment choices.

If flying over is not an option for you,, I think you have no choice but to wait the 6 months out and get yourself ready with all the peripherals - solidify your plan of action and market,  reach out to potential partners and suppliers, research financing options, insurance, management etc etc- so when you do finally get there- you can hit the ground running.The other option that I am now  getting more involved in slowly - is online  crowdfunding - A lot less hands on- but far more doable long distance.All the best

@Cameron PriceAs others have mentioned, the Solo 401k will likely serve your needs better than an IRA (whether just a custodial self directed IRA or an IRA LLC).To setup a Solo 401k, you'll complete an application with the provider of your choice so they can get the information they need to create the plan and trust documents for you.

Many people buy a primary residence and then decide to buy a larger home (upgrade) while keeping and renting their original home.

Is it in a rural area or on a larger piece of land?

So my husband and have been throwing the idea around of upgrading to a larger home, conveniently located across the street from where we are now.

Welcome @Michael GreeneAwesome place to move, great choice! 

Option 1 is far and away the best choice.  

We will move to a slightly larger house soon and I'm trying to decide whether my current house will make a good investment rental, or whether it's best just to sell and invest my equity in index funds.