Solo 401k to Invest in Real Estate - Rollover Etrade?

[Mushfiq S.]

Hi,

I opened a Solo 401K via Etrade for my LLC in 2016 and deposited the IRS limit 18k + 25% of W2 income. Note that my LLC is not related to real estate. I thought I would use the 401K to invest actively in stocks, however, I have not done so. I am investing in real estate actively though.

I would like to invest in more real estate via the current balance in my Solo 401k. After doing some Googling,  seems to be a good option for me

A few questions for those who have done this before:

1. Can I 'rollover' my current 401K that can only invest in stocks to a real estate-based 401k?
2. Are there any penalties for doing this? I do not see this as a withdrawal and thus don't think their should be any penalties.
3. Can I have multiple Solo 401K accounts (ensuring I don't pass the IRS limits)? For example, keep a brokerage account via Etrade for some stock investing, and another real estate-based 401K for properties? This will give me the best of both worlds.

I am very close to reaching out to companies that help me legally setup such a 401K. Just a few questions for the Bigger Pockets community before I do so.

Thanks!

[George Blower]

@Mushfiq S.

Yes you will need to use the services of a solo 401k plan provider. Reason being, it is the solo 401k providers plan documents that allow for investing in real estate. However, E-TRADE will offer the brokerage account that comes with a checkbook.