I opened a Roth IRA in 1999 for the potential purpose of using the proceeds to purchase a house. It now appears that I may need to purchase a house before the end of the 5-year investment period. So I was trying to see if I could use the funds for the upcoming purchase.

I was told by a friend that I can withdraw my own contributions any time (even during the first 5-years) free of penalties and taxes. Only capital gains would be subject to the rules of the 5-year investment period. Is this true??