Can I use my current job 401k funds to invest in Real estate

[Venky B.]

I am an employee holding 401k plan from my employer. Is there a way to use my 401k funds to invest in real estate for buy and hold. Thanks in advance. Venky

[Brian Eastman]

@Venky B.

Generally speaking, your current employer 401k plan will be locked up until you either leave the employer or reach age 59 1/2, and you would be unable to move those funds to a self-directed plan which you could deploy into real estate.  

If you are over age 59 1/2, or if your employer plan allows for "in-service" distributions from the plan while still employed, then you might be able to invest differently.