(obviously)I want to take care of my aging parents who will need me soon, and im just starting out.

A very seasoned investor will have a different response than a seller with emotional ties to the property.If the house is in great shape, top of the market range for size/age/quality,  sellers are usually only concerned with price and who is most likely to get to the closing table...On the opposite end of the spectrum, if the property has condition issues, then it comes down to who is able to take on that burden (cash/203(k)) and get to the closing table.If competing with regular buyers, waving inspection/financing contingencies and buying with cash can make a difference, but that also depends on how deep of a discount you're trying to get.If competing with cash buyers on a distressed property, you pretty much don't have a choice but to wave contingencies and come in with a decent offer.

Mindy it really depends on the definition of the acitivity one is embarking on .if the definition of wholesaling is:put a property under contract and you have NO money to close and you have sent out marketing that your an all cash buyer and will close in 10 days.Then you get into contract and put said property on crag's list with a full description of bed bath sq foot age etc.. along with pictures and advertise it for sale at a certain price. 

Those between age of 35-44 lost an average of 53% of their net worth during the same period.4.Median family income dropped 7.7% during the same period from $49,600 to $45,8005.

Kids in adulthood have a RESPONSIBILITY that is engrained in them from a very young age, to support the elders in the family, to put their needs in front.Unfortunately in the US, children are entitled, rude, and unrealistic from an early age.

My feelings are if you have $100K sitting in an IRA and under the age of 59 ½ why not cash out and pay the penalties having more flexibility with the cash?

This reminds me of AVM and other new age fancy formulas and algorithms that fancy, super sophisticated wall street types use.  

Considering your age, I would suggest focusing on buying properties with value add opportunity and growing your equity position first.

Many variables such as your age, income, tax bracket, amount to convert, etc. come into play. 

Typically you can't rollover those funds into an IRA until you are either no longer employed there or reach a retirement age (which can vary from plan to plan).