How my dad survived the Great Recession and Retired Early

My dad was a warehouse worker for 20 years with the same company. When the economy tanked in 2008 he was one of the unlucky ones who was laid off. Until that time, he had put about 3% of his paycheck into a 401k. Over the 20 years, he amassed ~120k in his 401k. When he was let go, he cashed it out, paid the taxes (plus the 10% penalty) and put it all into a multi-plex (he didn't even catch the bottom of the market). He was 51 when he did this, and the rents brought in enough for him to make ends meet. When prices started to go up, he refinanced and did the same again. He is now 65, drawing on Social Security, and hasn't worked since he was laid off. Just an idea for those of us who are concerned about the future, who may choose to take the same approach.