Corcoran Perry & Co logo

Back To Blog

Boosting Your Real Estate Returns with a Self Directed IRA

Real estate returns with self direct IRA

In the past few years,Denver real estatehas proven to be a profitable alternative investment that offers attractive risk-adjusted returns. Unfortunately, quite a few investors who have wealth concentrated in retirement accounts haven't explored this opportunity - due to real estate traditionally being available through taxable amounts.Real estate IRAis opening new doors that you probably haven't considered earlier.

What is Self-Directed IRA?

A Self-Directed IRA is not very different compared to other IRAs. However, it is unique because of the investment options available. A lot of IRA custodians allow only investing in bonds, stocks, mutual funds and CDs, but a self-directed IRA custodian, (such as Equity Trust) allows those types of investments in addition to real estate, notes, private placements, tax lien certificates, etc.

Self-directed retirement accounts are one of the best optionsfor investing in real estate with tax benefits. They are also called Real Estate IRAs because of their ability to invest in real estate and real estate-related assets.

Byusing self-directed IRA, you can invest your tax-advantaged retirement dollars in investments you know and understand. Through the power of compounding interest, it has the potential to create lasting wealth for you.

Benefits of Using Self-Directed IRA Investments in Property

There are three main benefits of using Self-Directed IRA (SDIRA):

  1. Increased ROI potential

SDIRA gives you the flexibility to invest in alternative assets. This means that you will have an increased level of flexibility regarding the amount of risk that you want to incur and enjoy the potential for a higher ROI.

  1. Protection against economic fluctuations

It is common knowledge that the stock market can be quite volatile which can put your money at risk. Therefore, you need to diversify in order to protect your wealth. By investing in alternative assets like real estate, you can create a healthy level of diversification and capitalize on investment opportunities at the same time.

  1. Controlling your financial future

SDIRA puts you in charge of your own financial future. You can make the right financial decisions, fulfill your financial goals and plan for your retirement smartly, with the help of a real estate IRA and a trusted accountant.

Self-Directed IRA Real Estate Investment Rules

There are numerous benefits of using a self-directed IRA to buy real estate. But, the most obvious way to realize these benefits is by following the rules. Some of those self-directed IRA real estate rules include:

Rule 1: You cannot own the property

The IRA is not allowed to purchase property that you or a ˜disqualified person' owns.

Rule 2: You cannot have indirect benefits

You cannot have any indirect benefits from the property that is owned by your self-directed IRA. One of these indirect benefits may include renting the garage apartment in a house that your IRA owns.

Rule 3: Property must be uniquely titled

All the IRA investments are uniquely titled which means that you and your IRA are considered to be two separate entities. The investments should be titled in the name of your IRA.

Rule 4: Property can be purchased with combination funds

The real estate in your SDIRA can be purchased in combination with other funds. You can consider undivided interest and partnerships.

Rule 5: Must pay UBIT, if financing

Any IRA investments that use financing are required to pay Unrelated Business Income Tax (UBIT).

Rule 6: Expenses must be paid from IRA

Expenses related to IRA-owned properties must be paid from the IRA. These expenses may include building association fees, maintenance fees, utility bills, property taxes and renovations.

Rule 7: Income generated must return to IRA

Any income generated through self-directed IRA-owned real estate must be returned to your IRA. In fact, any income generated by the property owned within your SDIRA is required to be paid directly into your IRA.

To summarize, self-directed IRA real estate acts as a good vehicle for the long-term appreciation of the assets you're already comfortable owning. Talk to your financial advisors on how you can take advantage of it.

Rick Pendykoski is the owner of Self Directed Retirement Plans LLC, aretirement planning firm based in Goodyear, AZ. He has over three decades of experience working with investments and retirement planning, and over the last 10 years has turned his focus to self-directed accounts and alternative investments. Rick regularly posts helpful tips and articles on his blog at SD Retirement as well as Business.com, SAP, MoneyForLunch, Biggerpocket, SocialMediaToday and NuWireInvestor. If you need help and guidance with traditional or alternative investments, email him at rick@sdretirementplans.com.

Recommended Reading

How This Mid-Range Colorado Home Sold in 5 Days (And How Yours Can, Too)09.23.2026

A fall-colored Denver neighborhood street lined with golden trees and a stone garden wall
We're in a real estate market where buyers are gaining more leverage while grappling with high interest rates. At the same [...]

7 Fascinating Facts About Colorado Aspen Trees09.16.2026

Rock spires and a snow-capped peak framed by golden aspen leaves at Rabbit Ears Pass, Colorado
Colorado has its own wonder of the world, and it doesn't charge admission. Every autumn, people travel from across the [...]

Closed Sales Slip as Home Values Hold: The September 2026 Denver Housing Market09.10.2026

Downtown Denver skyline silhouetted against an orange and pink sunset from a pedestrian bridge
Closed sales are down nearly 19%, active inventory remains stagnant, and overall prices are hovering within a fraction of a [...]

The Elevated List: Guide to Fall Activities and Festivals in the Denver Area09.02.2026

Vintage teal pickup truck loaded with pumpkins at a Denver-area farm
Dozens of festivals, light displays, and haunted attractions are scheduled across the Denver metro area this September and [...]

Realizing Maximum Equity When Selling a Home (and Its Utter Lack of Style)08.19.2026

Neutral, professionally staged living room after home staging update, Denver listing
You have style, and it's written all over your home. The bold wallpaper, the curated decor, the statement furniture that [...]

Shadow Concessions and Rate-Defying Events: The August 2026 Denver Housing Market08.11.2026

Denver Skyline viewed from the bike path on Sloan Lake
If you’ve been keeping an eye on local news, you’ve likely seen conflicting narratives: some claim the Denver property [...]

The Elevated List: The Best Coffee Shops in Denver and Colorado08.06.2026

Fresh espresso pulling into a white demitasse at a Denver specialty coffee bar
From the vibrant heart of the Mile High City to the woodsy charm of Colorado’s mountain towns, our state’s coffee shops [...]

The Elevated List: Colorado's Top Backpacking Routes and Safety Tips07.22.2026

alt tag
  There's a particular kind of chaos that comes with preparing for a backpacking trip, and a certain satisfaction that [...]

Bucking Historical Summer Trends: July 2026 Denver Housing Market07.15.2026

alt tag
For years, the Denver real estate market operated predictably. Spring brought a rush of buyers competing for yard space in [...]

The Colorado Guide to Summer Organization07.01.2026

alt tag
Summer in Colorado is the season of two distinct soundtracks. Outdoors, it’s rushing rivers, chirping birds, and wind in [...]

Say Hello

Do not fill in this field:
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.