All Forum Posts by: Kaaren Hall
Kaaren Hall has started 34 posts and replied 95 times.
Post: “The Game of Money”

- Financial Advisor
- Irvine, CA
- Posts 103
- Votes 58

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Post: Real Estate vs Roth IRA: What's Better for Retirement?

- Financial Advisor
- Irvine, CA
- Posts 103
- Votes 58
First off, congrats—you’re 20, already cash-flowing on a fourplex, and building businesses with your family. That’s a huge head start, and you’re clearly thinking long-term.
As someone who's been in real estate a while, I'd say you don't have to choose between real estate and retirement accounts—it's powerful to do both. A Roth IRA, for example, grows tax-free and can complement your active investments by giving you another income stream in retirement. That way, you're not putting all your eggs in one basket—you're building multiple income pipelines: one from rentals, one from businesses, and one from tax-advantaged retirement savings.
Also, don't assume that investing in a Roth means you have to be in the stock market. With a Self-Directed Roth IRA, you can actually invest in real estate or even private businesses—things you're already good at—while still getting that tax-free growth.
You're doing great. Keep building, but consider how a Roth or Solo 401(k) could give your future self even more freedom and flexibility.
Post: Non-recourse loans for LLC under SDIRA?

- Financial Advisor
- Irvine, CA
- Posts 103
- Votes 58
Hit me up at the email address in my bio and I will send a list of non-recourse lenders to you via email. ~Kaaren Hall
Post: Neal Bawa - 2025 Real Estate Trends

- Financial Advisor
- Irvine, CA
- Posts 103
- Votes 58
Post: IRA funds as down payment

- Financial Advisor
- Irvine, CA
- Posts 103
- Votes 58
I actually did this once, successfully. But let me explain. I was in the middle of a home purchase and my commission check was delayed. What I did was withdrawal funds from my IRA to make up for the difference. The reason this was successful was because once the commission check arrived I replaced the IRA funds (within 60-days). In this way it was not taxable to me.
You cannot take out a proper "loan" from an IRA. You can take out a loan from a 401(k) - including the Solo 401(k) - or other employer plans. These loans are for the lesser of 50% of your account balance up to a maximum of $50,000.
Post: Tips & Advice.

- Financial Advisor
- Irvine, CA
- Posts 103
- Votes 58
Congratulations on setting up your Self-Directed IRA (SDIRA)! It's a powerful tool for diversifying your retirement portfolio beyond traditional stocks and bonds. Since you're interested in syndications and leveraging non-recourse financing, here are some key tips and opportunities to consider:
Regarding Syndicatinos, due diligence is key – Not all syndications are created equal. Research the sponsor's track record, past performance, and the market they’re investing in.
Understand UBIT/UDFI – If the syndication uses leverage, your SDIRA might be subject to Unrelated Business Income Tax (UBIT) on the leveraged portion of the income. Work with a CPA familiar with SDIRA tax implications to plan accordingly.
Private Placement Memorandum (PPM) review – Ensure the syndication allows for IRA participation and that the deal structure aligns with IRS rules.
Direct Purchases with Non-Recourse Financing
Lender requirements – SDIRAs can only use non-recourse loans, meaning the property secures the debt, and your IRA isn't personally liable. Lenders often require 30-40% down.
Cash flow considerations – Since all expenses must be paid from your IRA, maintain liquidity to cover unexpected costs like repairs and vacancies.
- Rental properties vs. commercial deals – Residential rentals and commercial properties can both be great options, but keep in mind management complexity and income stability.
Generally speaking, stay compliant – Avoid prohibited transactions, such as personally guaranteeing a loan, living in or personally managing a property, or transacting with disqualified persons (yourself, spouse, ascendants, or descendants).
- Diversify your portfolio – While syndications and real estate are great, consider mixing in other alternative assets like private lending, tax liens, or even notes for additional risk management.
- Work with the right custodian – Make sure your SDIRA custodian is well-versed in alternative investments and has experience handling syndications and non-recourse financing.
If you’re looking for specific lenders who offer non-recourse loans, I’d be happy to point you in the right direction. Let me know what markets or asset classes interest you most!
Post: Matt Faircloth - How to best structure deals with investors

- Financial Advisor
- Irvine, CA
- Posts 103
- Votes 58
Post: 3511 Sting Ray Ct

- Financial Advisor
- Irvine, CA
- Posts 103
- Votes 58
Was going for the best cost-of funds (lower rate)
Post: 3511 Sting Ray Ct

- Financial Advisor
- Irvine, CA
- Posts 103
- Votes 58
Investment Info:
Single-family residence buy & hold investment.
Purchase price: $325,000
Cash invested: $50,000
This time I acquired a property that needed little to no work. The sales price was $14k under the asking price. Cashflow is not extraordinary because I financed on a 15-year mortgage. Happy to let this property do what rental property does best- pay for itself.
What made you interested in investing in this type of deal?
This is my third SFR in this market. I like the market because of stable employment from hospitals and universities.
How did you find this deal and how did you negotiate it?
Found the deal when my local realtor referred it to me. We agreed it was a great deal and easy to bring to the rental market quickly.
How did you finance this deal?
15year fixed rate loan
How did you add value to the deal?
Doing general paint and carpet cleaning for this property along with some minor repairs, junk removal and fixed a couple small plumbing issues (mostly deferred maintenance). Offering a clean and beautiful home to some lucky renters.
What was the outcome?
The outcome is another SFR to add to my portfolio. It's nice to make one trip to see all.
Lessons learned? Challenges?
This property has not offered major challenges. Learning that I prefer money invested in real estate over money sitting in the bank... don't we all?!
Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?
Ryan Lindholm is my local realtor in CoMo

Post: $20k to invest

- Financial Advisor
- Irvine, CA
- Posts 103
- Votes 58
For smaller investment amounts, we often see investors providing private loans or notes to other investors for their projects, which can offer attractive returns with the right due diligence. Additionally, there's growing interest in cryptocurrency as an alternative asset class, though it comes with higher volatility and risk. Depending on your risk tolerance and investment goals, exploring short-term Treasury Bonds, high-yield savings accounts, or diversified alternative assets like private lending or REITs could also be worth considering.