Can any 401K be converted to a Self Directed IRA?

[Bernard Chouinard]

Trying to get off the ground and have about $18K in a 401K that can be converted to an IRA. Now I need to find short term private funding to help with the down payment with the goal in mind of refi in 6-12 months and pay them back.

So with this said, before I have these conversations with family members. Can any 401K be converted to a self directed IRA?

[Dan Mahoney]

@Bernard Chouinard If it is your current employer's 401(k) you are stuck with it as long as you are working for that employer.  However, some 401(k) plans have a loan feature that would allow you to access a portion of the funds (often 50% of balance up to $50k max).  

If it is a previous employer's 401(k), you can rollover into a self-directed IRA.

This is beyond the scope of your question, but since you mentioned family members, you will need to be careful not to do anything with your retirement funds that could be considered "self dealing." It is easy to enter into IRS prohibited transactions with members of your immediate family.  In my opinion it is safest not to mix retirement funds with family members' funds.