Send me a PM and I'll send you a couple of examples of what is on the market outside of Atlanta so you can run your numbers and see if that fits.

I actually had come across your post below in the Events forum and thought to myself it would have been nice to attend that to see first hand a local flip and talk shop about the process.https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/521/topics/1215682-chec...I am happy to hear that someone with your experience in the region feels that Westchester is a market with some potential.

I have a question and would really appreciate your input.I’ve done a couple of fix-and-flip projects in the past using hard money lenders, but I’ve noticed that their fees and interest rates significantly cut into my profits.

Believe me - as a "Titanium Client" for 5 years - I have used ALL of their services, and I KNOW first-hand how Anderson's service has, SADLY, deteriorated.

Germantown has better cash flow potential but may require more hands-on management.

I also hold a couple of real estate forums in the area for people like yourselves to connect with service providers, GC's, etc. 

I know several people from California who have been purchasing a couple of duplexes in the Midwest each year.

Whether you should take a retirement distribution or not depends on several factors1) How much do you value the freedom/flexibility to ues the money NOW compared to when you are 60 years old.2) What type of return can you get having cash vs investing in an IRA / SDIRA.If you can make a 1% - 2% better annual return in your personal name, it may make sense as the added return will pay for the penalties over a couple of years.I personally cashed out of my retirement account back in 2016 and it was the best decision I made.

Quote from @Chris Tessmann: @Jay Hinrichs this has already been a three month long process in which I have been told the refund was approved and given three separate dates that I was to have the whole refund in hand.

I just DM’ed you but I’ve househacked a handful of properties on the northwest side of Chicago.