A lot of forum members are very knowledgeable in their respective fields related to real estate investing, whether that is real estate sales, wholesaling, flipping, rentals, lending, self-directed IRA and Solo 401k investing, or tax and legal guidance.If you are looking to connect with other members near you, or want to learn from people in a specific area you’d like to invest in, or have a desire to find people interested in certain topics, you could start your search here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/search/usersThere are a few self-contained guides that you can access here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/guides

Another idea for the down payment would be a self directed IRA if you have one. 

Use a 401k loan feature or roll funds into a self-direct IRA (or equivalent) where you can purchase real estate using non-recourse and let your investment grow tax-deferred. 

Hello guys:I wanted your opinion on my intention of cashing out my 401k and Roth IRA account to use the money to buy real estate.

Here is the basic breakdown and it's not comprehensive: Overview: When the owner of a disregarded SMLLC, Sole, or a spousal partnership ( each partner is a parent of the child) hires a child, the wages 1) will be exempt from FICA taxes if the child is under 18 and 2) exempt from FUTA tax if the child is under 21.Detail: 1) As the standard deduction has doubled in the last couple of years, you can pay our childern around 12000 plus 6000 (IRA contribution limit) = 20k and this would be a deduction for your business and nontaxable to your child if done correctly. 

I am self employed, early 40s... property itself is worth vicinity of mid 600k, 100k in a cd, 200k or so in ira's, vicinity of 60shk in a savings. 

Hi James, good subject, I did this awhile back, i ask my bank for a line of credit on two properties  , mortgage free, and 50% equity on my primary house, but since I have not been working I couldnt get it line of credit aproved, i do have a 401k and thinking in roll over to a self direct ira, but can i use that instead to build a triplex in one of my properties .

My IRA and 401k beneficiaries are my living trust (it may be more advantageous to have designated beneficiary instead, but in my specific case it was not).I have a WY multi member holding LLC owned at 99% by my living trust and 1% by a C Corporation.

I have an IRA that I could use to purchase a home, but would have to pay the penalties associated with it.

If you or your wife have an IRA, consider converting into a self-directed IRA (which can get it out of some broker's narrow investing in stocks and bonds for you - and into managing your own investment - in real estate).