Following are the similarities and differences between the solo 401k and the self-directed IRA.The Self-Directed IRA and Solo 401k SimilaritiesBoth were created by congress for individuals to save for retirement;Both may be invested in alternative investments such as real estate, precious metals tax liens, promissory notes, private company shares, and stocks and mutual funds, to name a few;Both allow for Roth contributions;Both are subject to prohibited transaction rules;Both are subject to federal taxes at time of distribution;Both allow for checkbook control for placing alternative investments;Both may be invested in annuities;Both are protected from creditors;Both allow for nondeductible contributions; andBoth are prohibited from investing in assets listed under I.R.C. 408(m)The Self-Directed IRA and Solo 401k DifferencesIn order to open a solo 401k, self-employment, whether on a part-time or full-time basis, is required;To open a self-directed IRA, self-employment income is not required;In order to gain IRA checkbook control over the self-directed IRA funds, a limited liability company  (IRA LLC) must be utilized.

I think it's because I've been built for this industry.

Do you pay any of the utilities?

Their names are on all of the utilities now, been almost a year.Would they be able to claim it as a primary residence because they have actually family in it?

Was the job transfer in the same field/industry? 

I'm thinking about going into business with a friend who is a custom builder and curious to know what the industry standard is for the business arrangement given our potential situation.

Etsy and Artfire selling hand made or custom itemsEbay stores selling items you find in your area that others can't find or get easilyCreate a blog discussing something you are good or passionate about for advertising incomeStart a youtube channel for advertising incomeStart a services based business doing something you are good at and advertise on CraigslistCheck the Craigslist gigs area for one time quick gigs you can get that work around your scheduleUber or lyft as a driverHouse hack, or buy a house and rent out all but your roomWhile saving move your money from bank to bank to gain their 3 or 6 month bonuses like $300 bonus for holding your money in their savings for 90 days, then move it to the next bank offering that.Sell everything you are no longer usingSell photographs to stock photo websites like istock, depositphotos, etcBuy pallets of overstock/returns to ship and have Amazon sellBuild websites for companies using wordpressOffer to maintain the social media for all business owners you know, and take a monthly fee for some extra facebook and twitter time.Become a long distance digital assistant for some REI investors that need you to analyze deals, juggle calls, etc allowing you to learn along the wayOf course any job working in the industry you are looking to get into like an working with a realtor, investor, broker, mortgage agent, etc would be preferred since it gives you further advantages in future investments.Let us know what you decide to do!

She stated that since the structure was built right on the property line the utility companies stated they would not be able to separate the meters. 

I started years and years ago by having 2 friends and a co-worker live in a big house I bought and paying me more rent than my payment and 3/4ths of the utilities.  

I just want to get into the industry and meet the people who are currently working in it or have a lot of experience in real estate.