@Michael LopezYou can choose to rollover the funds to an IRA of your choosing (self-directed or otherwise) and the full amount will be transferred without penalty.If you choose to take a distribution to yourself personally, there would be normal income taxation at the state and federal level, as well as a 10% penalty for early distribution if you are under age 59 1/2.With a self-directed IRA or similar plan such as a Solo 401k (if you qualify as self-employed in some fashion), you can diversify that savings into real estate investments.  

This "empty space" consists of watching TV, listening to the radio on my ride to work, lunch break, sleeping in, etc.  

It's an exciting ride and I look forward to hearing more about your deals to come!

(no, i currently do not own my own home, so anything "riding" on that is not possible.) i'm getting ready to place original oil paintings in vacant properties for staging (there is also an option to buy said work. not sure if this has any affect. laying out the picture.) 1. what kind of insurance do you all generally utilize with a vacant house. 2. who do you use?

However, their income-producing aspect pretty much over-rides Shiller's other points.The game is changing even as you read this.

I find most newbie investors ride the wave instead of navigate the water.  

Buying/holding, profiting big time from the rental income, and waiting to ride the next wave of appreciation!

I used to be a motorcycle guy and I learned more about areas by just endlessly riding around then I could have any other way.

This house was a 5 minute bike ride from my house or a 12 minute walk... in the cold Canadian winter time.

So if you're looking to invest somewhere that's going to get more fashionable over the next few years...Edit: That said, obviously I'm not going to take property advice from a dude with a Marx beard without doing my own research. ;)