Hey Guys,I have only been listening for a few weeks but am really excited about participating in this community.

Following is how the ROBS 401k works: Because you directly rollover your IRA or former employer 401k, 403b, Keogh, SEP, SIMPLE, or other eligible account, to your new ROBS 401k  plan, which then funds your business, you incur no taxes or early distribution penalties.Unlike traditional 401k plans that allow for a 401k participant loan, that is, borrow up to 50% of the account balance not to exceed $50,000, the ROBS 401k for business financing plan allows you to use all of your retirement funds to fund your start-up business.The ROBS 401k funded corporation allows you to draw a reasonable salary from the business.ERISA 408(e), and ERISA Reg. 2550.408 list information regarding the use of 401k funds to invest in employer stock of the employer’s corporation.The IRS formally commented on the use of 401k business funds on Oct 1, 2008 by issuing IRS memo commenting that the use of retirement funds is not disallowed but continue to be reviewed by the IRS.The use of retirement funds for business funding entails the 401k purchasing stock shares in a C-Corporation.

While having a criminal record is not a protected characteristic under the Fair Housing Act, criminal history-based restrictions on housing opportunities violate the Act if, without justification, their burden falls more often on renters or other housing market participants of one race or national origin over anotherSection 3"A housing provider violates the Fair Housing Act when the provider’s policy or practice has an unjustified discriminatory effect, even when the provider had no intent to discriminate."

Each stage of the lifecycle determines the level of participation that you as a bidder have.

@Tom Smith Although I agree, REI is a great suggestion for the potential returns and tax benefits, the hidden fees you mention aren't necessarily a 401k problem, but the a downside of certain 401k administrators and custodians that unnecessarily limit participants in their plans.

If you want to access some of the funds from your 401k for personal use (investments), you could utilize the participant loan feature, which would allow each participant to access up to $50,000 of your retirement funds, tax-free and penalties-free.

Here are the meetups that my business partner and I host, co-host or actively participate and think are worthwhile for you to check out as well:http://www.meetup.com/SREIISeattle/ (we host this one.

your'll over pay for junk on TV to learn from people who likely don't actively participate in real estate (they just pitch a course).

You got a lot to bring to the discussions, so don't hesitate to participate.

I have no formal experience in the industry, but became interested in real estate investing after participating in the ACE mentorship program.