Skip to content
×
Pro Members Get
Full Access!
Get off the sidelines and take action in real estate investing with BiggerPockets Pro. Our comprehensive suite of tools and resources minimize mistakes, support informed decisions, and propel you to success.
Advanced networking features
Market and Deal Finder tools
Property analysis calculators
Landlord Command Center
ANNUAL Save 16%
$32.50 /mo
$390 billed annualy
MONTHLY
$39 /mo
billed monthly
7 day free trial. Cancel anytime
Starting Out
All Forum Categories
Followed Discussions
Followed Categories
Followed People
Followed Locations
Market News & Data
General Info
Real Estate Strategies
Landlording & Rental Properties
Real Estate Professionals
Financial, Tax, & Legal
Real Estate Classifieds
Reviews & Feedback

Updated about 12 years ago on . Most recent reply

User Stats

26
Posts
6
Votes
Linda S.
  • Real Estate Investor
  • Redwood City Bay Area, CA
6
Votes |
26
Posts

Traditional IRA or mutual/index funds first?

Linda S.
  • Real Estate Investor
  • Redwood City Bay Area, CA
Posted

Let's say one has savings in both their traditional IRA and mutual/index funds. Which one should they tap into first to fund their investment properties?

Most Popular Reply

User Stats

3,176
Posts
2,684
Votes
Matt Devincenzo
  • Investor
  • Clairemont, CA
2,684
Votes |
3,176
Posts
Matt Devincenzo
  • Investor
  • Clairemont, CA
Replied
Originally posted by Michael G.:
I would rollover my tradional IRA into a self directed IRA.

I don't believe a traditional IRA can be used to invest in real estate.

A traditional ira directs you to use the products that the traditional IRA contains or offers and wants you to invest in, NOT what you want to invest in. You have no control over a traditional IRA.

A self directed IRA is the exact opposite. You have checkbook control and can invest in a variety of asset types. Real Property, Secured Notes, CD's, etc.

You have to do your homework but i believe self directed is the way to go if you want to use an IRA to invest in real estate.

That is a VERY broad generalization and has some large inaccuracies.

A self directed IRA can be either a traditional(non Roth) or a Roth. Traditional IRAs refer to the structure not the custodial nature.

Most IRAs can be invested in real estate, the custodians(the institution that services your acct) limit whether or not they offer the ability. So a traditional IRA at a self directed custodian can in fact invest in real estate.

Not all self directed IRAs have checkbook control, again depends on the custodian.

The question now should be are you trying to invest for retirement only or are you trying to invest for today. If it's for retirement only then maybe a self directed acct is the way to go.

If you need to invest for today then obviously SD might not be what you're looking for since you will be wanting to go ahead and take the penalties today to reinvest that money into RE.

As far as if you raid an acct for RE which one? You need to talk to your CPA to figure out what you tax obligations will be for either course, but I would say probably the index funds since I'm assuming any penalties for the IRA funds will be MUCH higher than taking out of your index fund.

(Disclaimer:No tax or legal advice)

Loading replies...