And sometimes you have to be a certain age, sometimes you have to be a specific type of employee to have a specific plan....and sometimes you can't withdraw.  

It is tough (extremely tough at the moment), but there are lots of tricks and strategies to help make it work. 

@Eric James @Russell Brazil @Andrew Postellto be clear, she's been working at the same hospital for over 4 years and called in very few times (Just like any other employee). the fact that she has a medical condition that allows her to call in doesn't mean she doesn't have a stable income.Based on your comments it sounds like a person with MS should not be qualified to lease a car, buy a house, or get a student loan.

Once you make the jump to a more professional software AND hire an employee it will all make sense.

Tough to find a cute little house on a corner lot for $15k!

Tough market to buy?

If you want appreciation, NJ is tough now all over because everything is selling so high, but there are pockets that can still work but it depends how far from Brooklyn you are comfortable with.

It's going to be tough to force anyone to move.

People are buying homes for way over asking price, site unseen which makes it tough for someone in my position to get started.

People are buying homes for way over asking price, site unseen which makes it tough for someone in my position to get started.