Self Directed IRA | cfnetwork

Self-Directed IRA

A self-directed IRA is an IRA account that you directly control and direct into investments of your choice. Most IRA custodians that offer self directed IRA accounts greatly limit your investment options. This is because the custodians either earn fees from your investments or they are too conservative or not prepared to handle non-traditional investments. The CFNetwork provides a more truly self-directed IRA account in that we do not place limits or constraints on your investment choices. Most of our clients are investing in real estate portfolios involving cash flowing properties, hard money lending, private business, or their own LLC with checkbook control.

How Does a Self-Directed IRA Work?

Option 1: Minimum Control and Convenience – The Self-Directed IRA Account

With this option you open up a self-directed IRA account and then select an investment and direct us to purchase that investment. Generally speaking, the investment(s) chosen are non-traditional in nature (buying into cash flowing properties, a small business, hard money loan to unrelated party, etc.). This structure places you into the investment, but you will be required to work through us as the custodian for each transaction. In some cases this works best if the investment activity and control required is minimal.

Option 2: Medium Control and Convenience – The iTrust

With this option, you open a self-directed IRA account and we create a separate IRA Trust that your IRA will invest in. This Trust can have a checking account setup. You, the IRA account owner, will be the investment manager for the iTrust and as such you will have administrative powers and control over the asset and/or checking account.

This account setup allows you to have the necessary powers and control over management of the IRA's assets. The Trust will also usually avoid any state filing fees or franchise tax fees that are associated with a LLC. This account setup is ideal for clients who need to hold real estate for investment purposes and may need to pay bills and expenses related to the property or any other asset.

With this option, you open a self-directed IRA account and we create a separate LLC that your IRA will invest in. This LLC can have a checking account setup. You, the IRA account owner, will be the manager for the LLC and as such you will have administrative powers and control over the asset and/or checking account.

This account setup allows you to have the necessary power and control over management of the IRA's assets. This account setup is ideal for clients who need to hold real estate for investment purposes and may need to pay bills and expenses related to the property or any other asset. As the manager of the LLC you can buy and sell assets at your discretion.