Whether you should take a retirement distribution or not depends on several factors1) How much do you value the freedom/flexibility to ues the money NOW compared to when you are 60 years old.2) What type of return can you get having cash vs investing in an IRA / SDIRA.If you can make a 1% - 2% better annual return in your personal name, it may make sense as the added return will pay for the penalties over a couple of years.I personally cashed out of my retirement account back in 2016 and it was the best decision I made.

While it's more expensive than Ohio, it's still cheaper compared to California.Additionally, consider the practicality of traveling to your investment market.

They might be fine managing new construction, but I have seem MANY investors almost tank from their fee schedule on managing older homes...i would compare it to almost predatory practice.

Compared to how to do bizz out here in the West were if they are wholesale deals and I dont need title insurance I just do my own deeds and record them..

The cost to maintain them probably wouldn’t be exactly 8x as compared to the single 8-unit, but it sure as hell isn’t a 1-to-1 ratio either. 

I know you mentioned other units are listed comparably but asking price is not the same as rented price.

I currently work as a Pipefitter (think plumbing but on industrial steroids).

I am new to real estate investing and eager to learn more about the industry.

Investing in Peoria sounds intriguing, especially since you’re drawn to the area and its industrial charm.

@Ryan Cousins it's really going to depend on YOUR analysis/projections of what you think the property will be worth in the future.You'll want to compare that to any capital gains tax-savings if you sell now.