Do you really want rodents in there building nests, chewing on things and pooping everywhere?  

@Patrick SmithIf you leave your current employer, you would then have the ability to rollover those funds to an IRA or 401k of your choosing with no tax implications.If you use a self directed IRA or 401k to invest in real estate, it is simply a way of investing that tax-sheltered retirement savings differently and growing your nest egg.  

If you have a job keep working to build your nest egg up and have a cushion for unexpected events like furnace quitting or water heater going out. 

You're sure to find a lot of richness in this community (and I mainly mean quality of people, not size of nest eggs).Best of luck to you.Vincent

It doesn't take too many deals like that to build up a huge nest egg.

And even if the securities laws are taken care of you have a rat nest of state and federal regulations to comply with.

Small things like aluminum wiring, pests nesting in insulation, rotting boards where you don't expect them, etc can really add up in time and money.I've got a bad habit of looking at a place and seeing how "easy" it would be to do.  

A nest or other wireless thermostat might also be worth considering too.James

I would make sure I had the experience and/or education in real estate arena before I spent my 401k nest egg unless you can afford to lose it. 

I know the nesting instinct must be kicking in, but there's no rule that says you have to buy because you're having a baby, lol!