By The Entrust Group
Reprinted from Realtor.com
Self-directed IRAs are the only retirement accounts that allow investors to pursue alternative investments. Among those alternatives, the most popular is real estate – a broad asset class that includes many different investment opportunities. Self-directed IRA investing offers great tax advantages to real estate investors, though the exact benefit will depend on the type of account used. When investing through a self-directed IRA, your real estate investment options are nearly endless. Choose between rental properties (both residential and commercial), undeveloped land, fix-and-flip opportunities, and more. In this article, we will describe some of those opportunities by exploring seven types of real estate that can be held in a self-directed IRA:
Single-Family Homes
Single-family homes are the most common type of residential property, and the most common type of real estate found in self-directed IRAs. These properties can be the key to both short-term and long-term retirement strategies, with tenants bringing in regular rental payments to help boost savings.
Multi-Family Units
Multi-family units, such as apartments or condo complexes, are similar to single-family homes in that they can bring in regular rental income; however, because multi-family units are larger and bring in more tenants, they have greater potential to boost your savings. They can also require more maintenance, on the other hand, so be sure to consider all the angles before choosing an investment opportunity.
Commercial Property
From retail to office buildings, it’s all possible. If your self-directed IRA doesn’t have enough cash for these types of investments, your IRA can even apply for a non-recourse loan or partner with other funding sources. Commercial property is a broad category of real estate investments which includes anything from a grocery store or an office building to even a baseball field. This type of investment is another way to generate rental income over the long term.
Mortgage Notes
An indirect way to invest in real estate with a self-directed IRA is by funding mortgage notes. You could use your savings to be a real estate lender and help others purchase homes while also bringing in a profit for yourself. You set the terms of the loan, including time frames and interest rates. The payments will go directly to your retirement account.
Undeveloped Land
Undeveloped land offers great potential, acting as a blank canvas for investors to build their dreams. While this may not be a great choice for generating immediate rental income, these properties can be developed to produce a profit, sold to developers at a profit, or even sold to the government for use by the state.
Offshore Real Estate Investments
There are many benefits to investing offshore with an IRA. There are also things to consider, such as performing the proper due diligence and educating yourself not only on the tax laws in the United States, but the tax implications and transaction process in the country where you are investing. The U.S. government has created laws regarding offshore investing. For more information, consult a financial professional or tax advisor about real estate transactions and banking outside of the U.S.
Real Estate-Owned Properties
If a property has been foreclosed and taken back by the bank, it is referred to as real estate owned, or REO. In today’s real estate market, your Real Estate IRA can take advantage of purchasing distressed properties. Some real estate investors buy at foreclosure auctions; others buy REO properties directly from the bank. Have the property inspected by a professional to determine condition, as many REOs are sold “as-is.” You want to avoid any surprises.
A self-directed IRA provides the opportunity to save money for the future on a tax-deferred or tax-free basis. They also allow you to benefit from a variety of alternative investments not available through traditional retirement accounts.