Can you leverage using funds in an IRA?

[Carol Lam]

I have a defined benefit plan which allows for real estate investment, however, the purchase needs to be all cash.  I am considering rolling the fund over to an IRA that allows for real estate investment, do you know if I can leverage funds in IRA?  Can I borrow funds in IRA to purchase a property?

I was also told that for multifamily properties (5 and up), it is best to use interest only with a balloon payment loan program.  Does anyone have any opinion on the best loan program to use for multifamily investment properties?  We have excellent credit scores.  We also have sold our primary residence so we have very little debt exposure.

Thank you.

Carol