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Beginner's Guide: How to Self-Direct an IRA

Learn how self-directed IRAs (SDIRAs) can invest in real estate or other alternative assets and receive the same tax-deferred (Traditional) or tax-free (Roth) treatment a regular IRA receives when buying stock or mutual funds.

By downloading Beginner’s Guide: How to Invest in Real Estate with an IRA, you opt-in to receive marketing communications from Directed Trust Company. Unsubscribe at anytime.

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What You'll Learn

  • What is a Self-Directed IRA?
  • What types of accounts can self-direct?
  • What types of investments can an IRA own?
  • The Process: Self-Directing an IRA
  • Due Diligence, Rules, & Prohibited Transactions
  • Intro to Advanced SDIRA Strategies
Download Guide

About Us

Directed IRA is an industry-leading SDIRA provider—helping clients nationwide invest in the alternative assets they know and love. Founded by two leading tax attorneys, Directed IRA is a Tradename of Directed Trust Company and performs the duties of a directed custodian.

Directed Trust Company does not provide due diligence to third parties on prospective investments, platforms, sponsors or service providers and does not sell investments or provide investment, legal, or tax advice. All SDIRA guides are provided for educational purposes only.

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Join 20,000+ Investors Self-Directing with Directed IRA

Absolutely great experience working with them. Very very supportive staff and great customer service when you call. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!

Deepa Willams

3 weeks ago

Since moving our accounts from another custodian we can only ask “Why not sooner?” Directed and in particular Alec Dyson, are responsive, answer the phone, offer valuable advice and guidance on how to get transactions done quickly and efficiently.

Andy Burt

3 days ago

Great experience with the entire team at DirectedIRA! Everyone I spoke with was eager to help and very informative. Geneva went above and beyond in processing my Roth Conversion. I recommend DirectedIRA to anyone looking for a self-directed custodian to assist with your goals of alternative investments.

Conrad Boyd

4 weeks ago

I discovered DirectedIRA through following Mat and Mark on YouTube, where they offer excellent financial advice. The process of opening an account was seamless and fast, and I was guided every step of the way by Michelle, who was incredibly patient and helpful. Currently, I’m in the process of purchasing a property, and Joe Bass from DirectedIRA has been invaluable in assisting me throughout. He’s been prompt in replying to emails and has provided top-notch guidance. The customer service at DirectedIRA is outstanding—whenever I need help, there’s always someone available to answer my questions. I highly recommend DirectedIRA for their professionalism and dedication to their clients.

Kian Mun Kong

8 weeks ago

Creating a Roth IRA has been a bit of a learning curve for me. I also wanted to have something I could invest in alternative things such as crypto currency. Directed IRA has helped me every step of the way. Their customer service is excellent and I am very happy to be working with Directed IRA.

Trinity C

18 weeks ago

I recently moved a portion of my account to a directed IRA. I am investing it into a PPM for Real Estate. I have to say the customer service is outstanding! I worked directly with Michelle Rodriguez. She was very responsive and quickly responded to all my questions. I will definitely be recommending them to all my clients!

Steve Kearney

18 weeks ago

I found these guys on YouTube, watching the many very informative videos by Matt Sorensen and Mark Kohler. I wanted to buy real estate in my IRA and Schwab does not allow this. I really liked the idea of an LLC to own my property with a bank account that I could control. I went with Mat’s full package solution from Directed IRA, KKOS lawyers, and several of their other subsidiary companies to handle each step (registered agent for the LLC, etc). I also used their recommended bank. The entire process was delivered in a confident, tightly integrated, and organized manner. Excellent work, highly recommended.

Neil Hazle

26 weeks ago

I have been doing business with Directed IRA for about 14 months. Everyone on their team has been super helpful, especially Teagan. They are all very knowledgeable and have great patience. I love that I deal with the same team members each time I need something. I would recommend Directed IRA highly and have already recommended them to friends and family.

Diane Pizzolo

27 weeks ago

My experience with Directed IRA has been stellar. I had a ton of questions and they were patient and walked me through the process at my own pace. I felt heard. Most importantly, their response time was fast when I needed answers and reached out to them. I would, and will, recommend them to friends and family.

Kelly Holtzclaw

28 weeks ago

My wife & I called and she has a lot of questions. Shane Russell was very patient with all of her question and it explained everything in layman so we could understand. We love the folks at Directed IRA Thanks Todd & Bev

Todd Eddy

29 weeks ago

Having worked with other SDIRA custodians, Directed stands out compared to others. They have reasonable fees, and great customer service. The coordination with their legal team was seamless. If you are considering the benefits of a SDIRA, I would reach out to them to at least have a conversation.

Paul Lutter

32 weeks ago

I have appreciated the training and information available on the Directed IRA podcast and youtube channel for a while now. I have finally taken the plunge into self-directing my own retirements funds and Directed IRA has made the process seamless. Thank you team for your help.

Jeff Hopper

32 weeks ago

Working with Directed IRA to open my first SDIRA has been great experience. Was able to roll over all my past 401Ks seamlessly into my new account. Everyone has been super responsive with all my questions – great customer service! Highly recommend!!!

Caroline Grant

32 weeks ago

All I can say, Mat and his team are top notch! I’ve dealt with several custodians, but never at THIS caliber! Another 5 stars to Nate Hare, the Educational Director. His vast knowledge and passion to educate my clients has made the difference. The investors are trust in using Directed IRA as their goto for rollovers and the education and clarification of the use of SDIRAs to build wealth. Thanks Nate and team.

David Maurer

33 weeks ago

Teagan was very prompt on helping me even on just answering my questions. It was an awesome experience. Very efficient! I already recommended them to my friends who are thinking of opening their Roth IRAs.

Albert Landicho

37 weeks ago

Directed IRA has helped us so much to understand and grow our accounts. I especially loved working with Teagan Chaires. What an amazing, responsive, patient and humble person she is!

Guisselle Martinez

44 weeks ago

The Self Directed IRA approach is very ideal for my situation and DirectedIRA are the experts in this part of the industry. Very knowledgeable, professional and quick to answer any of my questions. Their supplemental podcasts and online resources make it that much better. Don’t hesitate getting a hold of them because it is worth it! Thanks again DirectedIRA Team.

Kyle Skinner

50 weeks ago

Beginner's Guide:
How to Self-Direct Your IRA

Download Guide

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Directed IRA is a Tradename of Directed Trust Company. Directed Trust Company performs the duties of a directed custodian, and as such does not provide due diligence to third parties on prospective investments, platforms, sponsors or service providers, and does not sell investments or provide investment, legal, or tax advice. Directed Trust Company is not an FDIC-insured financial institution. Alternative investments are not insured by the FDIC; are not deposits or other obligations of, or guaranteed by Directed Trust Company or any of its divisions; and are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested. While uninvested funds in certain types of Directed Trust Company accounts may be eligible for FDIC pass-through deposit insurance, certain conditions must be satisfied for such insurance coverage to apply. 2025 Directed Trust Company

Beginner's Guide:
How to Self-Direct Your IRA

By downloading Beginner's Guide: How to Self-Direct Your IRA, you opt-in to receive marketing communications from Directed Trust Company. Unsubscribe at anytime.

#1 Book
on Self-Directed IRAs

Mat Sorensen, Attorney, CEO, and Founder of Directed IRA, wrote the #1 book on self-directed IRAs – selling over 50,000 copies nationwide. The Self Directed IRA Handbook is a comprehensive guide written for both investors and advisors alike. Download your free copy today!

By downloading The Self-Directed IRA Handbook, you opt-in to receive marketing communications from Directed Trust Company. Unsubscribe at anytime.