Going to lay out a typical scenario I help high earning clients through in the real estate world:
Let's assume you're pumping $23k a year into a 401k like OP.
Instead of 401k jail, let's explore the world of real estate investing...and save that cash for a down-payment on some cash flowing property.
After 1 year, you've got $23k, 2 years, $46k, 3 years $69k, of earmarked down-payment money.
$23k will get you a run of the mill single fam in the Midwest that will cashflow a couple hundred bucks a month, but not appreciate much above inflation. Good long term play, the VTIX of the real estate world, set n forget.
$69k gets you into some pretty superb markets where DSCR loan products or conventional mortgages will work on a variety of small multi-fam, STRs, etc...with higher cash flow AND appreciation.
So you've parked some cash, spending a little to leverage a lot...and you've got someone else paying off your debt, while you enjoy the tax benefits and appreciation.
After a decade, or another big market jump, you decide you want to refinance a few of your properties and pull some cash from your equity position to buy more real estate, upgrade your primary, book that 50k sheep hunt, etc .
Guess what you pay in taxes on that cash out refi? Zero. Guess who pays the interest on that cash? Your tenants.
Or you have a big year at your W2 job and don't want your bonus check to go to Hunter Bidens hooker n blow addiction. Park some cash in a cheap property, claim bonus depreciation year one, and pay ZERO in taxes.
Down the road you've fully depreciated a property and need some more tax sheltering...so you locate a larger property with higher cash flow...and 1031 exchange into it.
Guess how much you pay in taxes? Zero. Guess how much your kids will pay when they inherit it? Zero.
I hope this basic illustration opens guys eyes.
Yes real estate involves occasionally costly repairs, humans being humans, etc....but the benefits are unrivaled in terms of combining cash flow and tax advantages that you can use today, and estate planning and wealth building for tomorrow.
Thanks for coming to my TED Talk.
For guys looking to buy real estate to make $$$, I've got connections all around the country that speak the language and can get you dialed in. A GOOD agent is just as valuable as a GOOD wealth manager, they'll make you way more than they'll cost you.