@Kitty JedraBecause retirement accounts are tax shelter vehicles which means all gains grow tax deferred, or in the case of Roth funds--whether Roth 401k or Roth IRA funds--tax free until qualified distributions commence, in my opinion it is tough  comparison to compare whether a 401k should be cashed out to invest in real estate. 

You see a party at a house and lots of vehicles cruising by - drugs.

Plain kitty litter, not the flowery de-odderizing stuff, otherwise your vehicle and shoes will smell like wild flowers and cats will follow you. :) Yes, I'm bored!

Both areas being so crucial for traction using real estate as a vehicle for generating wealth.My query to those of you in the industry is to pick your brains on how you got started, or stories of someone you may know about getting into the industry.

Study and find out which vehicle you like.

Vehicles in the lot were rusted and decrepit.This property is listed for 920k and probably isn't even truly for sale.

@Jeff PiscioniereOne can flip houses with a checkbook IRA, but there are several considerations one must be aware of.While the vehicle provides you with Checkbook control, you need to be careful how involved you become in a flip transaction.  

I personally like permanent life insurance ;) You can take that tax-free money and put it into a tax-free growth vehicle so you don't have another capital gains tax problem.

BP, has been a wonderful vehicle for me, through networking, pod cast, etc.

BP is a wonderful vehicle for your journey, this community is number one.