Self-Directed IRA Withdrawls

[Zachary Litwin]

I hear a lot of people talking about advantages of self-directed IRAs and understand the tax advantages are huge--not to mention essentially having a higher return without taking a higher risk. However, what does withdrawal look like on these vehicles? In what ways, if any, can you benefit from your investment BEFORE reaching 65? 

I have not done a lot of research on laws governing self-directed IRA business transactions, but with self-directed 401ks, the IRS seemed to be pretty good at covering all their bases to make sure that if I am getting that tax benefit, I remain essentially housebroke until kids who are my age are calling me grandpa.