457b to SD IRA (real estate) ?

[DL Martin]

So I discovered that I have two 457b accounts (from a prior job that I had) that combined equal $30,000.

I turn 50 in October and can withdraw the money without penalty and simply pay the tax at my normal income tax rate. (I think that the Feds might take 20% right off of the top at the time of disbursement).

If I take it in a lump sum of $24,000, should I just take the money and use it as a downpayment on a property or should I try to roll it over into a SD IRA (real estate)?

Or is that even allowed? Maybe the IRS just says, "hey, you retired, take your money and pay your tax." ???

My gut feeling is that I should just take the disbursement, pay the tax, and use the remaining money as the down payment on a little $100k four plex in the Cincinnati area. (I am retiring to suburban Cincinnati this Fall)

Any advice?