Quote from @Brooklyn McCarty: It can seem scary at first, but totally doable. 

I live in Brooklyn and invest here.

Purchase price: $55,000 Cash invested: $100,000 Sale price: $820,000 Fix & Flip in prime marine park in Brooklyn, one family 3bd duplex just off the park. got this deal as REO, since houses in this area are selling as is, we did just minor renovation.

For reference, in the pictures, we converted a loft space into a thriving community space for the arts in Brooklyn.

I've inherited property in Park Slope, Brooklyn via a trust.

I recommend looking into places like Cudell, Old Brooklyn, Brooklyn Centre, Jefferson and West Boulevard.

Experiencing these first hand in your own home provides greater flexibility while you figure this whole racket out.Thirty years ago, I was fascinated by real estate opportunities in an emerging market (Brooklyn) and spent lots of time looking at cool warehouse space in places that are now 30-50 X the price. 

Withdrawal Scenarios:Scenario 1: Withdraw everything today at age 40, resulting in a 35% loss to penalties and taxes.Based on the little information, I think you are under-estimated how much taxes / penalties will be taken out.Your profile mentions you are a resident of Brooklyn which is located in NYC.NYS / NYC taxes is taxed at around 10%+ for middle income earnersPenalty is 10% at the federal levelFederal taxes for middle income earners is 24%Given the 3 numbers of 24% + 10% + 10%, you are closer to 44% instead of 35%If you are above a middle income earner, the tax rates can behigher.With that said, I took out all my retirement income and put it in real estate.

I have been hearing more about airbnb in the area of East old Brooklyn directed toward travel nurses in the area

I currently live in Brooklyn, NY but I am considering  to move to Albany, NY with my wife and my daughter maybe within 8-12 months.