I am 59 years old, and my retirement fund is all in my 401k.

So either you pay for the repair out of the idle cash in your account, file an insurance claim and use those funds, or rollover/transfer funds from another retirement account to cover the cost. 

However, I am thinking of having my parents who are retired living there part of the year and doing STR for the remainder of the time.

This is a very common way for people to investing using their retirement accounts.

Their rates are good but boy, they looked at my financials and ask some funny questions such as asking for proof that I could withdraw funds from my SEP IRA account, and that I need to provide documentation to verify that  this employer sponsored retirement account allows for funds to be withdrawn, or if withdrawals could only be made in connection with the borrowers employment termination, retirement or death etc. everyday they sent me something new to answer.

@Travis Boyd why does your FIL want to retire from landlording?

@Henry Clark I retired early as well.

I retired in my mid-50s and live a comfortable life, grateful every day for the path I chose.Looking back, I’m forever thankful to my partner who encouraged me to take that leap of faith and move to Ohio.

Hi Aaron,It's always challenging when companies go through transitions like this, especially when it involves something as personal and critical as managing retirement accounts.

But, what’s the best strategy for someone who wants to own property, but just as an “aside”; to diversify their portfolio, hedge against inflation, or build a retirement nest egg?