Tax Liens, Self-Directed IRAs and LLCs

[Zee D.]

Hi,

I currently own two tax liens in my name that haven't been paid off thus far. It seems likely I'll be able to take action in just over a year to acquire, but understand that I'll get a big tax hit if I end up selling either of the properties. 

So, I want to acquire more tax liens early next year and be a bit smarter. Can anyone help me think through some of my questions? 

For example, should I use a self directed Roth IRA with checkbook abilities? If so, what are some of the best banks for this? Why?

For liability reasons, should an LLC be created within the self directed Roth IRA? If so, how does one do this?

Once I acquire a property, what's the best insurance to limit my liability? 

What if the house is destroyed on the inside once acquired? Can I sell as-is wholesale? The land is worth far, far more than the tax lien prices in the area I bid in.

Thanks!

[Brian Eastman]

@Bruce Lynn. The "really good" custodians you mention do not like checkbook control because it minimizes their involvement in the service and their fee revenue as a result. There is no "issue" with the IRA LLC structure, which has been around since the early 1990's. Many quality self-directed IRA custodians are fine with stepping back and holding an IRA LLC in the account.

If one wishes to invest in tax liens, they need checkbook control.  Relying on a 3rd party processing agency to review documents, issue checks, etc. is just not going to be fast enough for an auction style asset.