Personally, I’d avoid California.

And I do like the idea of bucking the trend, being a little contrarian, etc.If you haven't already done so, I'd recommend attending an upcoming RI Real Estate Investors Group meeting, which meets monthly in person for members and monthly virtually for members and non-members.

Remind her that the place was rented as is for $1200 and that only one person can be living in it. 

But from personal experience, your penalties and taxes on early withdrawing from any IRA or 401K can total from 35 to up to 50 percent.

I didn't expect to get so much great, personal advice from such a diverse group of people all over the country.

I personally would start with family members and ask if they would sign a promissory note with simple interest so that you can take that loan and invest in buy/holds.

If you miss the HOA payment, which is different than the transfer fee, the person on title will be notified to pay up.

We have a contractor we have used for her business and our personal home that is amazing and extremely reasonably priced that will do rehabs.

So, while I haven’t paid a dime for those, I have met some people who have - who still have nothing to show for the investment, not one I know personally.

I use it for my personal portfolio as well.