I can say after trying multi level marketing, starting an automobile brokerage company, developing and deploying day trade systems, the easiest way to design the ideal life is through real estate.   

I had really gotten into trading on my second deployment but by then I was looking to move on from my military career.

- This ties into the previous question a bit, but we have around $70k that we could be comfortable deploying into this if we find the right deal. 

That way you could unlock the equity quickly and deploy it on your next project.

When rates re-trace and other folks start trying to deploy the capital, I want to know I secured the (right) asset.

I use it to quickly, easily, and cheaply deploy cash for investments, repairs, etc.

But, would they take the risk of NOT being able to deploy the capital? 

Will you get deployed and see crazy stuff..maybe, really depends on what your job is.

If heat goes out in the winter we drop off several units, so they can be placed in different parts of the house - including every room with water like kitchen and bathrooms.We also have dehumidifiers, carpet blowers, shop vacs, puddle-sucker pumps, extra hoses, extra sump pumps with battery pack, squeegees, and portable AC units ready to deploy. 

Even if you then turn around and liquidate the 401(k), paying the 10% penalty and taxes, it's probably advantageous to take the match at the very least.The trap for those pursuing super early financial freedom, like before 40 years of age, is that the money in retirement accounts is a bit harder to deploy opportunistically, and people do not intend to use that money as part of their plan for early financial freedom.