How do I use my 401K to buy real estate?

[Neil Polehn]

Hello All!

I have a traditional 401K with Fidelity from my old company, Cisco Systems, that I retired from. I don't want to pay income tax for withdrawing the funds (700K) and don't need the income from it, but I would like to invest in real estate if possible. Is there a way to invest this money in real estate without taking it out as ordinary income first and then having to pay tax on it? I would love to invest it in real estate and get more returns then bonds and stocks. Move it to an IRA first..?

Thanks in advance!

Neil