Invest with Pension payout or leave it

[Robert Eaddy]

Good Day all. I'm in late 30's and have been investing since 2008. I have built a portfolio of about 7 rentals over time. I live in Charlotte NC and my salary from the rat race exceeds the median household income for the area. I was separated from my previous employer last, whom I joined in 2004. I was granted a pension when I joined them in addition to 401K. I rolled over my 401K to current employer and left a little to keep acct open until I fully repay a loan I had taken to acquire 1 of 7 properties. I received a letter saying I was eligible for a payout of the pension. At some point I do plan to exit rat race and by that time acquire more cash flowing rentals. My question is do I take the payout from pension and use it to acquire more rentals or leave it until retirement age? i am aware of the penalty I will be hit with & learned in macroeconomics money today is worth more due to inflation or something like that. I am looking for feedback. Thanks,