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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