BiggerPockets

The past two weeks have only strengthened my resolve to end all investments in mutual funds and stocks to invest in solely real estate. I reviewed my investments last year, before the crisis, and my 10-year returns on my stock & mutual funds were dismal but all my real estate had done well. Even with the decline in RE values, they still cash flow.

Maybe all of you know that you can invest IRA money in real estate but just in case you don't here is what I know (and do):

You can rollover an old 401K or IRA into a "self-directed" IRA. I use a company called Sterling Trust out of Waco, TX but there are several companies that perform this function. It is possible for your IRA to get a loan but it's expensive and it really has to cash flow big tiime. However, you can use funds or combine funds with family members or accounts to buy properties outright. My fees are about $300 per year for two accounts.

What I love about it is that for my ROTH IRA, all the rent checks go back into my ROTH growing tax-free. The non-ROTH account accumulates as deferred taxes.

I am so sick of hearing that CEOs lied about the risk, lied about the debt, lied about the profit, cooked the books, etc. Unless there's a natural disaster, I know my rental units will keep bringing in income every month and by the time I retire, they will go up in value.

One thing to note is that before converting your IRA to a self-directed IRA, it can first be converted from a traditional IRA to a ROTH IRA, so that all of the gains are tax free on retirement.

John,
I just called Guidant Financial to check out their services and fees. For me, I only have one property in my IRA so those fees are way too high at $3000-5000 for set up.

I've been disappointed with Sterling Trust recently but it only cost me about $500 to set up for my initial purchase and $300 per year to maintain 2 accounts.

I have only found one lender who will do a non-recourse loan and their interest rate is really high. Do you know of many?

Hi WIll,
I just called Equity Trust and they are very competitive with Sterling Trust. I may transfer it before my next purchase.
Thanks.