Doesn’t seem like enough gross rent to have enough money to maintain a home.

DO NOT hire or maintain business relationships because you think they are nice & friendly.

I'm going to give you some advice, but you aren't going to like it;  You aren't ready to invest.With enough knowledge there are ways to obtain control of properties for little or no money, however there is not a single way to maintain control of that property without spending money. 

Maintain solid relationships with our bankers, accountant and lawyer.

I will still maintain my real estate business but having another stream of income is enticing. 

3.5 is a good start but  will a short term CD like 3-5 months still maintain that 3.5 yield or does it shrink for shorter times?

@Robin CornacchioThere is a cost to establish and maintain Solo 401K Plan but since custodian is not required for the plan all custodian, asset-based and transaction-based fees can be eliminated.Based on what you said - you qualify.

It’s weird to see people cheerleading each other on for doing deals where they are essentially just becoming undercapitalized owners who can’t afford to maintain a property that people live in.

The bank will insist that you maintain 80% LTV.

You have a built in exit strategy and  you still get to maintain the 27.5 depreciation tax benefit.