When most people think about retirement accounts, they think stocks, bonds, or maybe a mutual fund or two. But here’s the truth: your IRA doesn’t have to live and die in the stock market.

That’s where a Self-Directed IRA (SDIRA) comes in.

An SDIRA gives you the power to put your retirement money to work in things you actually understand and believe in—like real estate, private companies, or even precious metals. For a lot of investors, this is a game-changer.

So, let’s break it down:

What is a Self-Directed IRA?

At its core, an SDIRA is just like a regular IRA—with one big difference. You’re not limited to Wall Street investments.

That means you can use it to buy real estate, partner in a multifamily syndication, or invest in other alternative assets. And the best part? You still keep the tax advantages of an IRA.

Think of it as giving your retirement dollars more freedom to work for you.

Why Real Estate + SDIRA = A Smart Match

Here are a few reasons why investors love combining SDIRAs with real estate:

✅ Tax-deferred (or tax-free) growth – Sell a property in your SDIRA and you don’t pay taxes right away. The profits roll back into the account, ready to reinvest. If it’s a Roth SDIRA, you could even be looking at tax-free growth.

✅ Leverage your retirement funds – You can use SDIRA money to help finance a property. That means your dollars stretch further and your returns have the potential to grow faster.

✅ More control, less Wall Street drama – With real estate inside an SDIRA, you decide what to buy, when to sell, and how long to hold. No need to ride the rollercoaster of stock market swings.

A Few Things to Know Before Jumping In

Like any investment tool, SDIRAs come with some rules and fine print. Here’s what you should keep in mind:

1. You’ll need a custodian

An SDIRA has to be managed by a custodian—a financial institution that holds and reports your IRA assets. The key is finding one that actually understands real estate.
Some popular names are Quest Trust Company, IRA Club, and Provident Trust Group. If you’re investing in multifamily syndications, make sure they know how to handle that process, too.

2. Choose your property type

With an SDIRA, you’re not limited to just stocks—you can branch into real assets like single-family rentals, multifamily, commercial, industrial, self storage, RV parks, and mobile home parks.

At UP Plex, we focus on multifamily, self storage, RV parks, and mobile home parks because they check the boxes for scalability, consistent demand, and long-term stability. Housing will always be essential, people always need storage, and the RV and mobile lifestyles continue to grow in popularity. Plus, properties that are large enough to support professional onsite teams typically run smoother and generate more predictable returns for investors.

3. Understand the tax rules

Here’s a term you’ll want to remember: UBIT (Unrelated Business Income Tax). It doesn’t always apply, but in some real estate deals, it might. The upside? Any taxes owed can be paid right out of the SDIRA. Pro tip: bring in a CPA who knows SDIRAs to walk you through your specific situation.

The Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a way to take control of your retirement and invest in something tangible, a Self-Directed IRA is worth exploring.

With the right custodian, the right sponsor team, and the right CPA in your corner, you can:

• Grow your retirement funds tax-deferred (or tax-free)

• Invest in real assets like real estate

• Put yourself in the driver’s seat instead of Wall Street

At the end of the day, an SDIRA isn’t just about diversifying your retirement—it’s about building the kind of portfolio that works for you, not just the market.

👉 Ready to see how an SDIRA could work for your real estate goals?
Let’s talk. Our team can walk you through the process step by step, connect you with trusted custodians, and show you real-world examples of how investors are building wealth using their retirement accounts.

📩 Ready to explore how your SDIRA can invest in multifamily, self storage, or RV parks? Reach out today and we will guide you step-by-step and show you real examples of investors growing their retirement wealth.

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