Which pool should I dip into?

[Julian Buick]

I'm thinking about getting involved in real estate investing. I've been working as an engineer for the past 20 years and have built up about $325K in my 401K but I hate the idea of building this up until I retire and then spending it all after I retire. I have about $475K equity in my home. My job pays well but the income just about covers my expenses. I'm trying to decide whether it would be better to pull some money out of my 401K or to get a HELOC to start investing. Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Julian