Quote from @Ryan Daulton:
Since learning that cash flow from real estate that was purchased from self-directed IRAs is taxed, and that I would not be able to claim depreciation on this property, what are the advantages to buying real estate with self-directed IRAs vs. other investment types like stocks and mutual funds?
It seems like there are so many limitations to buying real estate with self-directed IRAs. For those that do invest in real estate using this, what are your reasons? Are there any benefits I may not be aware of here?
You would only pay taxes on all passive investments in a traditional SDIRA at distribution, unless you have a mortgage, then the portion of the income derived because of the mortgage will be subject to UDFI (unrelated debt finance income) which will trigger UBIT (unrelated business income tax). This tax scales up to 37% but not till around $12,500k in income for the year. Before the income subject to UBIT is calculated you can depreciate and deduct expenses and losses on that portion of the income so generally it's not as bad as people think. So it's not correct to say you cannot depreciate real estate in an IRA.
Bear in mind, you're not investing in a retirement account to take advantage of tax deductions, as there are no taxes. I suggest buying real estate inside of and outside of your IRA or better yet qualify for a Solo 401k then you don't have to worry about UBIT on leveraged real estate. Additionally, keep in mind if you do this in a Roth then there are NO taxes on the appreciation, rental income or profits when the Roth liquidates the asset. Also the loan for a retirement account must be non-recourse. Something else to think about, when's the last time somebody gave you a loan to buy more S&P 500? Like @Chris Seveney said, private lending is a great way to go as well.