That typically results in a higher payment and an open end mortgage (Credit card) versus cash in the bank that can act as an Asset and PITI reserves where a Heloc cannot.Feel free to reach out if you have any questions, I enjoy helping and talking REI.

There are hardship withdrawal provisions and others that can be exercised if you meet the requirements. 3) If you have access to a workplace plan, like a 401k, with a Roth component, you can consider that as well. 4) If you setup your Roth with a Self-Directed IRA custodian, they can allow you to invest in assets like real estate, private lending, private equity and other alternative assets. 

I have worked in recovery, but currently am retired and have rentals I would like to possibly rent to Oxford house- or possibly convert into sober living if it makes sense financially.

Can I even be financially independent in this situation?

Great tools that get updated regularly.I am on the lending side of things and would be happy to hop on a call with you anytime to discuss financial strategies and help answer any questions you may have about nearly any loan product available to help you on your journey, even if they are not products my capital partners offer.  

I am wanting to start real estate investing to become financially free in the future.

What Im looking for with REI.... is to find financial freedom, to build generational wealth, to bring my family together; my brothers,  my children, and their children into a business Im not only passionate about, but proud of.  

Where are you investing, what asset class, how much do you have to invest.

Just type "LLC asset protection insurance" in this forum's search box, and you will see dozens of threads on this topic. 

Out of 2,500+ investors we have as clients, only a small handful invest as an LLC.I could see the point to an entity if a group of family members or friends were pooling their money to invest in a syndication or several syndications, but outside of that scenario I don’t see the point to it.But don’t listen to us, get competent legal and accounting advice from those licensed to give you proper advice after evaluating your legal and financial situation and risk tolerance.