Also, an early distribution penalty of 10% will apply if the IRA participant is under age 59 /12 at time of the distribution.

I cannot know your age simply by a photo of you but you look rather young to me.

If you are going for a specialized field such as a doctor, lawyer, etc i would say go for it but to simply get a degree to do real estate seems a bit costly and not a wise use of time in the Information Age where most of the education you need for this is readily available for free or the cost of a book.

It means that I should not be responsible for the total cost and should only be responsible for the prorated cost depending upon the age of the countertop.

Its easy to lose track of how much one SHOULD have in the bank because its hard to leave money sitting and not working for you.I understand there are many variables such as age of house, age of roof, age of furnace, etc. 

My goal is to maximize cash flow for early retirement (I am shooting for $10-$15K above bills by age 42).

On top of those 'three jobs' we've got 5 kids aged 7-11 between the two of us. 

I wish I found out about real estate investment when I was your age. 

You should always screen every person above the age of 18.

In addition, employer contributions may be withdrawn upon the occurrence of any of the following events:1) The occurrence of a Hardship,2) The attainment of age 59 ½3) The employer contributions being withdrawn have been accumulated in the solo 401k plan for at least 2 years; or4) The participant has participated in the solo 401k plan for at least 5 years.Salary Deferrals(employee contributions): Any employee contribution (including any earnings on such amounts)may not be distributed prior to the solo 401k participant’s severance from employment, death, or disability.