I feel coin ops are expensive and aren't worth the headache of getting it and maintaining it. 

Following are the similarities and differences between the solo 401k and the self-directed IRA.The Self-Directed IRA and Solo 401k Similarities Both 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;Both are prohibited from investing in assets listed under I.R.C. 408(m); andNeither may be invested in your own business. 

I have spent the last year or so learning about personal finance and investing, mostly about stocks, bonds, and index funds.

I know "as to why" I invest in the stock market. 

Or should I continue to invest in the stock market?

Well, I was approached by one of the more prolific crowdfunders and they offered what amounted to an almost 10% premium over the all cash buyer.Moral of the story: If you're selling a deal the only way you would entertain the crowdfunders if:1) It's a marginal deal with hair on it;2)you have no TMV concern and you can wait for a buyer who will over pay; or 3)the capital market is frozen.All crowdfunding sites are touting their great returns over the past 5 years...uhh duh, check your stocks over that period - are you quitting your job to sell the"

That is a possibility @Chris Low my problem is I'm not quite sure how many deals I'll do a year and I don't want the costs of maintaining a license to be an issue if I am low volume each year.  

I think I may be somewhat anxious to do my first deal.. and being a realtor I KNOW that this area will experience a revitalization within the coming years and i wanted to get in early... fix it, hold it, get section 8 tenants to maintain the expenses and once it has turned around I would "hopefully" benefit from getting in early.

The ages of the homes vary...as I said I'm not buying the homes the tenants own their own homes so it's going to change with time currently there is some nice very well maintained ones and some others that are older and not in the greatest shape

I think your wise to install a new roof, you can take the cost off your taxes and it will only add value to selling price, and it gives the buyer the peace of mind that they won't have to worry about a huge ticket item and shows your maintaining the property..Water  heater,, is a no brainier..