The difference would something like that between a mechanic and an automotive design engineer.I don't think the law "requires" you to take every expense or deduction, it allows you to do so.

With that in mind, coupled with my well paying "fall back" job, it is a much less risky proposition for them than if some Joe Schmoe came and knocked on their door asking for 20 grand or something.

haha...went to zoning department today..it's actually zoned O2, which techinically allows residential or office space..guess i'm in the clear on this one...whew..the rezoning costs a few grand, so i was hoping to avoid that..not to mention time factor :)

If you want to learn more look up architect Oscar Newman, Jane Jacobs' book the death and life of great American cities, broken window theory, and CPTED (crime prevention through environmental design).

I use Chief Architect every day with my clients (I'm a kitchen & bath designer).

If the bootcamp was designed to make you a better rehabber or to improve your skills in some aspect of your rehabbing business, then the cost is deductible. 

Dark wood floor, white trim, "Designer White" (or similar) walls.  

See if there is a website designer in the neighborhood who would step up to the plate and do some of the technical work gratis for his/her own benefit of improving the area and marketing by example of what he/she can do.

The Solo 401k is designed for those who are self-employed or own a business without any full time employees besides owner and his spouse.

Things never go in real life like they do when you are looking at the numbers...You really dont need $25k to wholesale , but if you dont know what you're doing you can piss a LOT of money away marketing when you dont know how to convert leads or talk to sellers or target your marketing.I'd actually invest a couple grand of that in getting a RE license and start working for a good agent while you learn this stuff.