However, withdrawing earnings (such as interest payments and gains) may be subject to taxes and penalties if withdrawn before reaching age 59½ and meeting certain other criteria, unless an exception applies.

I hold enough to cover a roof out of pocket if needed.I appreciate what thoughts/insight/experience folks have had, thanks.The age of the roof may make the difference.

Just some wisdom from someone double+ your age,  I would save your money for now. 

:(AND, for a few years the ins co's have been insisting that they'll only cover roofs under 15yrs of age.

@Michael Smythe - Great insight which I never will have found out in my current research process or taken ages to find out.

The latter has been tough to justify as population growth has been stagnant, aging population, and corporate downsizing….Thanks,Parris

It doesn't matter if the average age of your inventory is 12+ months. 

I started in Real estate investing when I was 21 and ended up quitting at age 24 because of some hard luck.

I was advised to find a small boutique broker in my market or in the asset I was interested in, ideally aging, and try to get in and add any value I can with them. 

That is great that you are starting out at young age!