But because I don't want to leave my future success up to hearsay, I have chosen real estate as my vehicle to a successful life.

I would need to find one that fit my buying criteria but from an investment standpoint, there is no better vehicle grow your money.  

Recently retired from my career (fire service) and will now be investing in real estate as a vehicle to provide added financial freedom for my family.  

So, if you have $40k in a 401k, $20k is the most you would be able to borrow from it.Hopefully this will help you narrow down how you would like to use your 401k in your investing- as a source to borrow from, or as the investment vehicle itself.

The domestic LLC would become a member of the Special Purpose Vehicle entity that is formed in Nigeria.It is going to be a fairly small raise, max $500k. 

Apparently running-up the water bill is a common "revenge on landlord" strategy there.He was angry with us because we expected him to move his vehicle for snow removal and had fined him after several warnings (our policy is the tenant pays for the call-back to have the plough service return to clear the drive).

It's a lake front property only electric motors.

An alternative learning vehicle besides the podcasts and books I frequent often.

Real Estate is a great vehicle to get you set up if done right.

Some examples might be the equity in vehicles, cash value of life insurance contracts, etc...