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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