401K: Continue Contributions or Stop?

[Matt Hangsleben]

I recently purchased my first rental property with no money down.  I did so by necessity as I am cash broke!  However, I do put a substantial amount of money into my 401K account every pay check.  I have always been relying on having a very nice nest egg waiting for me when I retire, but like many of you, am starting to realize that I don't want to wait until I am 65 to enjoy it. 

For the last 10 years I have been so focused on building up my 401K, but now for the 1st time I am really considering stopping all contributions to focus on real estate investing.  I ran the calculations and found that my projected 401K value when I retire will be cut in half if I stop contributing now (age 36) and leave what I have in there.

I'm looking for advice!  Have any of you taken the plunge yet, how has your experience been?  Any recommendations???  Thank you!!!

Matt