Roth IRA Contributions: Transfer from Self Directed IRA?

[Tom Squire]

Hello BP!

Fairly new to real estate investing, just bought a condo this past year with my girlfriend (and not looking forward to doing my taxes) and am currently in the "save money for additional investment while I learn as much as I can" phase.

My question is this: I have 3 investment accounts with Fidelity: a standard investment account, a self directed IRA (from an old employer), a Roth IRA (all with roughly equal amounts). I haven't contributed anything to my Roth IRA or my self directed IRA for the 2015 tax year, aside from my employer IRA which I cannot access right now. I've heard its good to max out the Roth IRA contributions while I'm still young (26).

I have enough to max out the contribution for the year if i were to transfer from my regular IRA. I know I'll have to pay the income tax on it now, but is that a wise investment? I also have enough in savings to max out my roth IRA but that would be pretty limiting in terms of liquid capital.

Lastly, if I do make the contribution to my Fidelity Roth IRA, can I use that to invest in Real Estate?

Should I make a small contribution of cash to my Roth IRA before the end of the tax year? Should I continue to save my cash to eventually invest in additional property?

Thanks in advance for the advice!