Currently, the store space is zoned for retail and the variance would allow it to host events there such as birthdays, office parties, wakes, etc.

Search BP or attend local RE investor meet ups.  

The 401k I used to have said if I default it didn't negatively affect my credit, but that it would become a taxable event like a withdrawal (come tax season) and I would have to pay penalties for the amount I had remaining. 

I've found that in-person networking events are the best place to meet the movers and shakers!

I'm not looking for crazy appreciation or overwhelming concerned in the event of a downturn because everything is structured in protection for and against.

Tenant shall have abandoned or surrendered the Premises if any of the following events occur and if Tenant’s personal belongings have been substantially removed, and Tenant does not appear to be living in the Premises in Agent’s reasonable judgment :Tenant’s move out or notice to vacate date has passed; Tenant is in default for non‐payment of rent for 5 consecutive days; water, gas, electric, or any other service for the Premises connected in Tenant’s name has been terminated or disconnected; Agent is in the process of judicially evicting Tenant for any reason; and Tenant fails to respond for 2 consecutive days to any notice posted on the inside of the main entry door to the Premises stating that Agent considers Tenant to have abandoned. 

They allow you to attend two meetings before joining as a paid member.

For the most part, if your running real estate somewhate properly, the risk isnt your property causing you to get sued....Think of it as you are hopefully protecting you property from yourself in the event a motorist sues you over a car accident, you dont want them getting access to your real estate assets. 

@Stetson Oates, Thanks, and you are right, market conditions would limit how much of the initial funds one would be able to withdraw.I should also add that, while I am not an accountant or tax professional, it appears that at no time in the strategy above would one trigger a taxable event, since you're not selling any stocks or property. 

A big way to expedite this is to go to local meetups and attend local masterminds that will get you in front of people that are in the community you want to do deals in and partner with.