Otherwise, how do you know if your investment is performing better than other investment vehicles, such as a tax deferred 401(k)?

There are other issues to consider and choosing a financial adviser that is well versed on a wide range of investment vehicles is important.

As such, if a tax exempt entity like a self-directed IRA engages in such an activity on a regular or repeated basis, UBI taxation applies at pretty steep trust tax rates (max of 39.6%).The bottom line is that a self-directed IRA is not a vehicle to solve a situation you are facing personally.With $40K in an IRA, your best bet would be to act as a private lender to other investors. 

I love the BP community and I'm probably going to get speared for this post, but I'm tired of the drivel spewed on this website by really intelligent people in regards to various investment vehicles, but usually aimed at the stock market (DJIA/S&P).  

I believe it has more to do with the reality of needing to find quality investment vehicles.

We scheduled an air quality test and the "contractor" pulled up in a run down vehicle and broke out his air inspection equipment. 

May 16, 2015       Sat  19 days after we closed$ 150----------Gutters cleaned   250---------Dumpster----- 2,200--------6 Trees cut down1,000---------Rail Road Ties for back Retaining wall for Drainage Problem1,000---------Drainage Man"s Labor   (He will be there in next few days)1,000---------Electrician      (almost finished)   500---------Electrical Fixtures2,000---------Painting             (after the Dry wall/ceilings are finished)     60---------Gallon of Cat deoderant____________________________________$8,160_______Total   We are doing the Plumbing today and meeting the electrician and finishing up the electrical.  

(Just because they say it's not an appraisal doesn't mean it's not one -- I can't say "hey, I'm not a real estate agent, but let me help you sell your house for a fee...")The reason the Blue Book example doesn't apply is that vehicle appraisal, unlike real estate appraisal, is not a licensed profession (at least, not in my state).

I am thinking of getting into this type of investment as a retirement vehicle, any, and all input welcome.

source=cnn_bin&hpt=Sbin A funny video about an "investment" vehicle giving a better return than the stock markets.