Meaning you take money out of your retirement account (almost always a bad idea because it is tax advantaged) and you have to put it back in there before the term is up or face the penalties.

@Zeke Liston Starting in Cincinnati as a beginner REI in 2020 and then I will be expanding into Columbus & Cleveland in the next 5 years, the other 2C's, because large growing stable populations in cities always need to find a place to live.

@Jasraj Singh The midwest has stable markets and good cashflow as well! 

These are very stable and probably a great option for those who would rather be more risk averse. 

The gist:  Wholesale deals in retirement accounts will get crushed by the IRS once they get around to auditing them.The Mazzei Roth IRA Case – An End to Magical SchemesBy Attorney John HyreWith SDIRA & RE clients across the countryIralawyer.comThe Tax Court took a major step in the direction of curtailing SDIRA abuse.

& no easy ways to short the market in retirement accounts. 

I would like to build a portfolio for passive income as well as provide me with a decent retirement.

Get 5-10 of our friends who we trust, want to build wealth, and are ready to run a business.Let them know about FHA loans. 3.5% down.They each buy a 3-2 or multi-unit complex (4 units or smaller) that they rent out to friends they like and know are stable.

If I thought COVID was going to be here forever and we were never going above $20/brl oil, I'd sell all my properties and retire.   

The market seems to be fairly stable here.