Most investors think retirement accounts are limited to stocks, bonds, and mutual funds.

But what if your IRA could own real estate?

In this episode of CRE Deep Dive, Dennis Bamford sits down with Michelle Thomas of CNB Custody, one of the longest-standing alternative asset custodians in the country, to discuss how self-directed IRAs can be used for real estate investing.

Michelle shares how CNB Custody helps investors navigate self-directed retirement accounts, explains common compliance mistakes, and breaks down the rules surrounding prohibited transactions, checkbook LLCs, funding strategies, and non-recourse lending.

If you're interested in using retirement funds to invest in real estate, this episode provides a practical roadmap to understanding the opportunities and the pitfalls.

• What a self-directed IRA is
• How CNB Custody works with alternative assets
• Direct real estate ownership inside an IRA
• Checkbook LLC structures explained
• Common prohibited transactions
• SEP IRA contribution opportunities
• TSP and 401(k) rollover strategies
• Partnering multiple IRAs on one property
• Non-recourse loans and UDFI considerations

[00:00] Introduction

[02:12] Michelle Thomas' Background

[04:30] The History of CNB Custody

[07:05] How CNB Custody Differs from Other Custodians

[09:00] Custody Fees Explained

[12:05] Funding a Self-Directed IRA

[15:30] SEP IRAs, TSPs & Rollovers

[18:00] Real Estate Investing Inside an IRA

[20:20] Prohibited Transactions Explained

[23:15] Checkbook LLC Structures

[25:50] Partnering Multiple IRAs

[27:00] Non-Recourse Loans & UDFI

[28:00] Final Advice for Investors

CNB Custody is a division of Community National Bank and has been providing alternative asset custody services for more than four decades. Their team specializes in helping investors hold alternative assets, including real estate, inside retirement accounts while maintaining compliance with IRS regulations.

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Most people don’t realize they can use retirement funds to invest in real estate, precious metals, and other alternative assets through a self-directed IRA.

In this episode of CRE Deep Dive, Dennis Bamford sits down with Brianna Mares from Gold Star Trust Company to break down how self-directed IRAs actually work, how rollovers happen, common fees, and what investors should know before getting started.

Whether you’re exploring retirement diversification, alternative investments, or simply trying to understand your options beyond traditional retirement accounts, this episode delivers a practical introduction to the world of SDIRAs.

• How to roll over a 401(k) into a self-directed IRA
• The difference between standard and precious metals IRAs
• Real estate IRA basics
• Common self-directed IRA fees
• What prohibited transactions are
• How Gold Star Trust Company handles customer support
• Why investor education matters in alternative investing

[00:00] Introduction [00:42] What Is a Self-Directed IRA? [02:01] How IRA Rollovers Work [03:12] 401(k) Loans & Eligibility Questions [04:40] Real Estate IRAs vs Checkbook LLCs [06:05] Self-Directed IRA Fee Breakdown [09:02] Precious Metals IRA Explained [11:01] Investor Education & Due Diligence [13:12] Customer Service & Account Support [15:45] Final Thoughts

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What if your retirement account could invest in real estate instead of just stocks and mutual funds?

In this episode of CRE Deep Dive, Dennis Bamford sits down with Paul Herbes from Equity Institutional Services to break down how self-directed IRAs, solo 401(k)s, HSAs, and other retirement vehicles can be used for alternative investments like real estate syndications, private equity, and direct property ownership.

Paul explains how investors are using retirement funds to diversify beyond traditional Wall Street products while maintaining tax advantages and long-term growth potential.

• How self-directed IRAs actually work
• What investments are allowed (and prohibited)
• Checkbook IRAs and LLC structures
• HSA and education account investing
• Solo 401(k) contribution advantages
• Real estate investing timelines and funding mechanics
• IRA rollover strategies
• Custodian fees and investor support

[00:00] Introduction to Self-Directed IRAs [01:40] Why Most Investors Don’t Know This Exists [04:10] What You Can and Cannot Invest In [07:15] How Rollovers and Transfers Work [10:20] Using HSAs and Education Accounts [13:05] In-Service Rollovers Explained [15:40] Real Estate Investing Timelines and Funding [18:55] Checkbook IRAs and LLC Structures [22:10] Solo 401(k)s and Contribution Limits [24:00] Fee Structures and Investor Support [25:35] Midland Trust and Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever wondered whether your retirement account could do more than sit in the stock market, this episode is a must-watch.

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