There seems to be a familial mindset that is beneficial to the budding young investor (I'm 41, actually) in developing skills in a new profession.

I am looking to network with individuals and create long-term mutually beneficial business relationships.Other than that I enjoy physical activities, the outdoors, all things aviation, travel and working with my Border Collie, Sally.

Other mutual friends take sides and more friends and their respect is lost.

How beneficial do real estate investors think this is and what are the major benefits?

Any assistance on trusted contractors would be beneficial as well!  

@Brent Tatum assuming that your Solo 401k plan is self-directed (not restricted to stocks and mutual funds as investments), then you can buy land, but only as the investment.

@Andrew Kniffin agreed with your statement of having an onsite manager being beneficial for 80 unit.  

This way the home is covered by insurance but you have to pay two policies in this method; but it can be beneficial if there is equity in the acquisition.

I hoped with my simple example to demonstrate why depreciation on a property is beneficial on a cashflow basis - though you certainly do pay later in Real Estate.  

Of course, I will explain how this is mutually beneficial as they get a short lease as a trial to see if they like the property.