Buy Real Estate with Pre-tax (401K/SIDRA), Roth IRA or after tax dollars?

[Kevin S.]

Hi members,

I recently met my CFP and he concluded that after all these years of accumulation in 401k it's time to take steps to minimize taxes and reduce/eliminate RMD.  As expected, he recommends Roth conversion and invest in stocks.  I have doubts about his experience in RE, which I believe may be common among CFP.  I am new to RE and would like to hear from seasoned members who have either been in this shoe or who are well versed with this situation.  With limited experience in RE investing my inclination is towards RE, not stocks.  I may be wrong and my CFP's may be right but I am thinking...

Is it better to (1) leave the money in 401k and let it keep ballooning and invest in RE with pre-tax money? 

(2) Does it make sense to buy RE within Roth IRA?

(3)  Since I am already paying tax to cash out 401K, is it better to just invest with after-tax dollars?                                                                                 

I am about 5-7 yrs away from retirement.  I think most successful members here started with RE early on.  Anyone here made the 'switch' from stocks (pre-tax investment/401K) to RE midway or later in life?  I realize there is probably no simple answers but I am all ears from all sources.  Thanks.