When I explored the options, the ONLY reason I could see for going the 'long route' would be that it *might* prevent you from doing 'prohibited transactions' since in theory that is part of what the Custodian is supposed to be doing (as I understand it). 

Get a pre-qualification letter for a regular bank loan and for a hard money loan.

I have nearly 60K with them, and I get regular installments back at 7% and 6.5% respectively.

On the plus side you should be able to score some crack on a regular basis.How do I know about the area (not the crack)?  

I have a regular 9 to 5 and a family and trying to transition into real estate full time.

You can get this stuff at Home Depot, in a tube that fits a regular caulk gun.

If it was me personally, I would go the same route as @Walker Seid however I am very anti-401k's so my opinion may be biased!

If I would use his services, I would not go the rent reduction route, but pay him like any other service provider on a as needed basis. 

I am also in MN, and am in close contact with my RE attorney regularly, and I have never heard of Series LLC's.... can we confirm they aren't recognized in MN?

Do I have to pay first with my realtor or can I just go as usual like a regular local wholesale deal?