it takes the same amount of work to do a 500K loan as it does a 50K loan. the loan balances are smaller so income is MUCH less, so the banks return on overhead and time is far less. it's a product banks provided to keep a big customer base, not a money maker.

A good one can be a huge asset. 

1) Why would his financial advisor tell him this when he stands to make interest on his asset?

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.

Below are the details:Ask Price:   $2,595,00025% DP:   $648,750Monthly P&I (30 Year Amor @ 6%):   -$12,897.15Annualized Market Pro Forma NumbersPro forma Rents (24, 2/1 units at $995/month):   $286,560GOI with Vac/Cred at 8%:   -$24,357.60Pro forma Expenses at 30%:   -$85,968.00NOI:   $176,234.40P&I:   -$154,765.80Cash on Cash Return:   $21,468.60Deal MetricsCap Rate:   6.79%Debt Coverage Ratio:   1.14Cash on Cash Return:   3.31%Cost Per Door:   $108,125Adjust Rent/Price Ratio (per door basis):   0.9202%My MFH investing education is still on-going, but it looks like the seller is trying to sell this as a stabilized asset.

You may also want to consider the rehab loans besides the 203k loan, its a great product but it can be a bit more complicated than other rehab options and in the hotter areas your offer with a 203k loan ay not look as attractive to a potential seller.

If you keep all your assets (notes) in one QB file, you can run reports based on the category.  

What I can recommend is taking some floor plans and product from nearby neighborhoods or houses you like and backing out the estimate from that.  

As a follow-up, I got a call and they seem oblivious to my being annoyed by their attempt to profit from my asset, and have said they will take down the ad. 

If you ever need to pull money out to purchase a new home or some other reason, you’ll be glad you did.As for moving the funds in your taxable account, you could work with vanguard to journal those assets directly over, or pull them as they are currently invested.