@Herb DornJust jumping in on this last bit of the thread, so apologies if I have missed anything substantive higher up.Yes, an IRA would not allow for penalty free distributions prior to age 59 1/2 as the 457b plan does. 

People will argue of impending Armageddon if you don't slavishly follow your contract  but it's not true.It can be a way you choose to operate your business - most it's not how most businesses  operate (ever heard of the gesture of goodwill) and there is no real reason (no it will not necessarily get you in Fair Housing trouble) for a rental business to be an exception. 

Let me apologize in advance for this soon to be complex issue. or those of you who love crunches like this, this is for you:  I need some advice for a friend... 

I apologize if my post wasn't clear.

If I am remembering this wrong I apologize.

I get doing your job, and you shouldn't apologize for doing your job.

I apologize for the lack of info.

They countered with wanting back the entire security deposit because they're not convinced the dryer issue was their kid's fault.That's a lot to unpack, and was typed fast so I apologize for grammar.

I apologize for not having more value to offer to the rest of the community.

Then apologize profusely.3.