Before pulling the trigger to incur all those taxes and penalties, keep it, invest it wisely, and find other sources of capital to fund your non retirement account income stream.

Properties that would provide a steady stream of income, but not transition to a future home for myself. 

Therefore, having a current revenue stream will turn to a cost, because I will need to have the property managed.

We were also able to purchase adjacent blighted properties to expand parking and also control the residents in the adjacent 6 unit apartment building.We are right over 10 years of ownership on this building and have had several movies/tv shows/music videos filmed there due to the retro styling.

The location is great, and it is tucked away nearby a main strip, so easy access to gyms, restaurants, movies etc..  

In retirement, real estate will be pretty much your only available tax write for what I anticipate to be significant income when you combine ss plus your 401k and other investment streams etc.I look at my businesses as additional cash flow that help to accelerate my rei and do not count on that cash whatsoever to live.

My second goal is to create an income stream that will surpass my previous employments, which will allow me to stay home with my kids and keep a flexible work schedule.

I would never be concerned about a referral fee because I would never for one instant consider paying it.This is not the 1980's, they are not tapped into some stream of information that the every day joe isn't.

I am sure they could back track receipts, but she would still be worried on flagging Marg's income stream. 

But I'm sure you can cut expenses (cut cable and go to streaming service, cancel gym and invest in a set of free weights/go on more hikes, minimize dining out, stop buying expensive coffees, etc).