I would choose vanguard personally but all three are good choices. Between only the two, I would choose Schwab as I don’t love Fidelity’s website.

I want to point out that “managing my investments more directly” can actually hurt returns, not help.

I tried to quickly find a link but couldn’t. There was a fidelity study a few years back that analyzed all their 401k participants and found that the best performing participants, were the ones who were deceased (by over a 100 bps).

Yes, you can still open one for this year and you can contribute for 2022 until April 15th 2023.

I recommend one of the big brokerages (fidelity, vanguard, Schwab) or the same that your husband uses.

RE syndicates certainly can outperform the equity market but that is usually comes with higher business and liquidity risks, which both can be mitigated with experience, good partners and a large & diversified portfolio.

Solid foundation. Eventually you will want to consider bonds and check on your equity diversification. Probably mid-30s or $500k whichever is first.

Highly recommend Personal Capital. Their portfolio analyzer is great to see your portfolio’s allocation, sector concentration and fees across all your accounts

Be cautious in seeking “holy grail” investments. Anyone who says they have provide consistent cash on cash returns of 10%, I personally would avoid.

Dividends/distributions are not the most efficient return vehicles. You would be better off selling shares periodically than seeking dividends.

Seconded and in all caps.

DO NOT START A BUSINESS ON A CREDIT CARD.

At 21, you should be thinking more about career potential and not what the hourly rate works out to be. Which job is best for the 40yo you?

I wouldn’t delay your 401k contributions. You will also be able to find something else to prioritize. Saving for retirement and getting out of non-mortgage debt are critical to being financially prepared (which you mention as the goal).

Simple Path to Wealth by JL Collins. Great starting point. He also has his stock series at his blog that the book is based on.

Then maybe pick a home in nearby city or an apartment near a park 🤷🏻‍♂️. Just saying, don’t let perfect be the enemy of good here.

It’s a honorable goal to strive to give your Dad such an amazing gift. Don’t eliminate other alternative gifts which would still be a blessing. Why not a $600k townhome with a small backyard (you mention he is aging so maybe burdening him with maintenance of a large home/yard isn’t a great long-term goal).

MrMoneyMoustache is kinda the OG regarding the FIRE movement and this article opened my eyes to early retirement as even a possibility.

MMM Shockingly Simple Math for Early Retirement

Financial peace university course or the Total Money Makeover as a book group.

Sounds like you are in a great position. Why mess with it and invite incremental risk? Leave it alone and find other hobbies/activities to invest your energy in.