Self Directed IRA or Other regarding 401k

[Marcus Robert]

Greetings: I'd like some input on using my 401(k) to purchase Rental Properties via a self-directed IRA. I understand that you need a custodian, I understand that you can only transfer the 401(k) once you have stopped working for the employer, and I understand that once you're 55 years old, you can start accessing your 401(k) so here are my questions…

1.) At 55, if I no longer work for my employer and transfer my 401(k) funds, when will I start to be able to take advantage of receiving cash flow from these properties or does the cash flow have to stay in the self-directed IRA?

2.) looking for advice on how to deploy 600+ thousand dollars into real estate and start receiving the cash flow from it without having to pull the 401(k) out and swallow the tax ramifications.

I currently own 13 units and receive healthy cash flow from all of them, but I am looking to increase my cash flow so I can ease into the next phase of my life which includes work of a different kind but not doesn’t having a 9 to 5 job.

Thanks in advance!

Marcus