Withdraw money from 403 (b) with penalty?

[Eric James]

My current and past employers have 403 (b) retirement plans. I have put a certain percentage of my salary into the plan and they add 128%. The employer contributions became mine permanently after I worked at the jobs for a year. There are several options within the plans, such as mutual funds and money market. I will be old enough to begin withdrawing these funds without penalty in about 8 years. Recently I've wondering if I should withdraw this money, pay the penalty and income tax, and use it as part of my real estate investment capitol. I don't need the money, I just think it likely I could get I higher return than if I leave it in the 403 (b) account. What do you think and why?

[Eric James]

Thanks Dave. I'll have to learn more about self directed IRAs. I've also seen that a loan can be taken out on some 403 (b)s, so I'm going to check on that as well. Thanks.