Advise on leveraging a Self-directed IRA to purchase real estate

[Maria Jeanette]

I am considering using Equity Trust to set up a self-directed IRA to purchase properties. Any advise? What are pros and cons or restrictions?

[Nate Herndon]

Hi @Maria Jeanette, that's a great question. I had a response on a previous post this year about what the private lending restrictions will be here --> https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/22/topics/1174919-bough...

Here's a re-post of that information though:

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I do have a DSCR lender who can assist with a limited recourse loan that will close in the name of a self-directed IRA. I have been able to do this for both purchases and cash-out refinances on multiple deals for clients of mine.

Typically your max loan-to-value will be 75-80% LTV, but this specialized program will limit you to 10% LTV/LTC less than what you can traditionally do. For a purchase or rate/term refinance, that would be 70% LTV; for a cash-out refinance, that will be 65% LTV. 

I have had the "limited recourse" language vetted by attorneys representing our clients. It passed muster upon close inspection from their entity formation team. As mentioned by others, you cannot personally guaranty the loan and the limited recourse aspect navigates that requirement.