Unlocking Self-Directed IRAs: Real Estate, Rules & Retirement

In this special edition of the Exchange Bros, David and Tom dive deep into the world of self-directed IRAs — what they are, how they work, and how you can take control of your retirement dollars to invest in real estate, private loans, and beyond.They break down:Why Wall Street IRAs are limiting your optionsThe difference between “true” self-direction vs. what your broker saysHow to structure an IRA LLC (aka Checkbook IRA)Common pitfalls, prohibited transactions & disqualified partiesReal-world examples and war stories from years in the businessWhether you're new to retirement planning or looking to supercharge your portfolio, this episode is packed with practical advice, expert insights, and a few laughs.01:47 – What Is a Self-Directed IRA?05:08 – Prohibited Transactions & Disqualified Parties07:31 – The IRA LLC / Checkbook IRA Explained14:26 – Trust Companies: Not All Are Created Equal18:33 – Joint Ownership & Multi-Member Structures25:10 – Funding Pitfalls & Common Setup Mistakes30:59 – Annual Responsibilities & Reviews36:07 – Distribution Rules & In-Kind Strategies54:08 – RMDs, Real Estate, and Retirement Goals56:40 – Final Thoughts: Be Conservative, Stay CompliantDisclaimer: It's not just about making investments; it's about avoiding costly mistakes. Listen in and get it right the first time.Send us Fan MailThanks for listening! Subscribe to get all of the latest tax news and information.