@Julie KernIf the unit is FSBO, don't you have to pay the agent commission.Also the age of the house, if it is over 20 years old.

Age plays into this as well, elderly folks will have an upper hand in any court as the court usually seeks to protect victims and the estranged.

To my left (and I am not making this up), was a 34 year old guy who started his business at age 26 I think it was and now owns/manages over 2200 units and talked about deals that he was doing that were out of this world interesting.

He is 20 years old and he reminded me of myself at that age.

Is there an age where the funds can be pulled out without tax penalties?

It will be hard with your age to land business on your own.

Some people are surprised that this means you "work for free", but what's really going on is you're getting a free education through experience.For instance, right now I've got a guy who is your age that is more or less our shadow.

Search the same area, search the same age of house, search the same number of bedrooms and baths, etc.  

Unlike retail with guaranteed leases where the tenants cover all expenses the apartments success of a large complex is tied to the management of the buildings.I am not saying it has not worked out great for some but given your age and retirement I would think it has too much risk potential as you have no control.I have a similar client who bought into multiple multifamily and is in the same age group as you.

Next, a 100 K distressed sale has nothing to do with 200K home sales, unless they are comparable, RE is unique from many vantage points, size, location, quality, materials, age, condition and so on.