For a brokerage/client services type business, I would start out by outsourcing content and SEO for your website. 

Good news is that SIMPLEs can also be self-directed, and a self-directed SIMPLE IRA would have the same contribution limits as a SIMPLE IRA at a more traditional custodian. 

@Frank KnippenbergA General Liability policy will provide defense for claims of Bodily Injury (slip and fall, ceiling falling on a tenant, etc.) and the less likely Property damage claim (your building starts on fire and the fire proceeds to damage neighboring properties).Good news is 99.99% of landlord/Rental Dwelling policies will automatically include General Liability.  

Paying off a primary residence and turning it into a rental, pay 1/2 of your current home off and refi to the lower mortgage and use the other $70K to buy another investment where you want, keep the rental if you want - the good news there are a lot of good options.Your goal is FI - the rental obviously helped you get there. 

The good news is that you have a window of time in which to rate shop if you're interested.

You may have missed out on leveraging your cash more efficiently, but the good news is that it's not too late.

Good news is SD is strong for those exact location circumstances. 

Since you're considering Sacramento you might like to read this:  http://www.sacbee.com/news/business/real-estate-news/article117952053.html Perhaps a wee bit optimistic, but relevant data to consider as you narrow your options. 

I'm coming back with an update (a little shift in perspective from my first post) and also some tips/advice.I initially came to BP with the a goal of buying and holding MF units in the VA Beach and Newport News areas.

That's great news.