Early Accss to Pension Funds Anyone?

Hi, Firstly I will just say that I am not looking for advice from IFAs on this thread, I have plenty of those to speak to already.

What I am looking for is anyone who has taken their pension offshore and their advice on what they did, who they did it with and if they are happy with the results. Importantly did they manage to find a way to access a large proportion of the funds, to buy into for example residential property, or other income generating assets that were 100% under their control?

Also opinions on good IFAs, trustees based in Malta and Gibralter (or other areas) and good investment products would be handy.

To repeat, please no IFA comments on this thread, it is designed for expats to share their experience rather than an advertising forum!
Thanks.