How can I access money tied up in IRA's and other funds?

[Will Foster]

Hello all. Next year I want to begin the process of buying my first multifamily unit, which I want to live in one unit. But all my money is in IRA's and other money funds, and I think I'm going to need to tap into those accounts to get started. The question is, how do I do this? I hear the words, "Self Directed IRA." used a lot on BP, as a way to purchase your property, but from reading about the rules of using this method to buy real estate, "The IRS prohibits certain actions. For example, neither the IRA holder nor any disqualified persons to that plan may live in or vacation in the property." That sounds like I would not be able to house hack. So I'm asking the experienced investors of BP, how do I use the money in my IRA's to begin investing? Do I cash out a portion of my IRA's and pay the penalties and the taxes? Are there other ways of accessing these funds? Thanks for your time. Will