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Investment Strategies

Using Your Self-Directed IRA for Private Real Estate Lending

January 15, 202513 min readBy Key Real Estate Capital

Unlock Your Retirement Account's Potential

Most Americans have their retirement savings in stocks and mutual funds earning average market returns. But what if your IRA could earn 10-12% fixed returns backed by real estate?

Self-directed IRAs make this possible.

What Is a Self-Directed IRA?

A self-directed IRA (SDIRA) is a retirement account that allows investments beyond traditional stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. With an SDIRA, you can invest in:

  • Private lending and notes
  • Real estate
  • Private equity
  • Precious metals
  • And more

SDIRA vs. Traditional IRA

FeatureTraditional IRASelf-Directed IRA
Investment OptionsStocks, bonds, mutual fundsAlmost anything
CustodianBrokerage (Fidelity, etc.)SDIRA custodian
ControlLimitedFull
ReturnsMarket-dependentAlternative returns

Why Use SDIRA for Private Lending?

Tax-Advantaged Returns

Private lending returns of 10-12% become even more powerful in a retirement account:

Traditional SDIRA:

  • Returns grow tax-deferred
  • Pay taxes on withdrawal in retirement
  • Great if you'll be in lower tax bracket

Roth SDIRA:

  • Returns grow tax-free
  • No taxes on qualified withdrawals
  • Ideal for high earners

How to Set Up SDIRA Private Lending

Step 1: Choose a Self-Directed IRA Custodian

Research custodians that specialize in alternative investments:

  • Equity Trust Company
  • Entrust Group
  • Millennium Trust
  • Alto IRA
  • Rocket Dollar

Step 2: Fund Your SDIRA

You can fund through:

  • Rollover: Transfer from existing 401(k) or IRA
  • Transfer: Move between IRA custodians
  • Contribution: Annual contributions (limits apply)

Step 3: Complete Investment Documentation

Your SDIRA custodian will:

  • Review the investment opportunity
  • Process subscription documents
  • Send funds to the investment
  • Hold assets in your IRA's name

Step 4: Receive Returns

Investment returns flow back to your SDIRA:

  • Interest payments deposit to your IRA
  • Returns compound tax-advantaged
  • Reinvest or hold as cash

Invest Your Retirement in Real Estate-Backed Lending

Key Real Estate Capital welcomes self-directed IRA investments:

  • 12% fixed annual return
  • Capital secured by first-lien real estate
  • Professional management
  • SDIRA custodian compatible

Contact us to discuss investing your self-directed retirement account with us.

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