Self Directed IRA and 401K

[Oscar Freiman]

Please allow me to show my ignorance, and my desire to learn. Currently, I have a respectable amount of savings in a managed IRA (not self managed), and I am putting 15% of my salary into a 401K every month. It is my understanding that, keeping this, depending on the stock market, bonds, etc., is not a good practice or the best practice to build wealth. So, in order to get into RE investment and grow what I have now, to be able to retire between the next 5-10 years, I'll appreciate your guidance.

Here are my questions/concerns, considering I am 61:

• If I take out X-amount from my IRA, I'll get taxed and lose a big chunk of the money. What is the best practice or recommendation to avoid losing a lot of money?
• Are there better options than a 401K, but still be able to save 15% every month to build savings for investments in RE?

Thank you for your advice.