I am looking to convert my captive IRA (i.e., only allows me to invest in stock/bonds) to a self-directed IRA, so I can use those funds to purchase properties.

It starts with a self-directed IRA held by a custodian, but the IRA simply makes one investment into a specially designed LLC entity.

(Ask me sometime why I think 401(k)s and IRAs are a horrible idea because they lock up capital people could be using usefully.....well, actually, don't. :)  )It does seem like it may be a valuable tool as I move into buying apartment complexes and commercial buildings in the next couple of years.

Many members are experts in their respective fields related to real estate investing, whether that is real estate brokerage, wholesaling, flipping, buy and hold, lending, self-directed IRA and Solo 401k investing, or tax and legal guidance.There are some pretty cool discounts on various products and services offered as Perks to BP members that you might want to check out: https://www.biggerpockets.com/perks/proIf you haven’t checked it out already, the Bigger Pockets blog features links to their awesome podcast and many great articles: https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/The site has quite a few tools that can be helpful for new members.

Hello, I have a questions about self directed IRA.

If I had to hold 1 year of 401K/IRA investments to make it happen would it be worth it?

Not sure I'd ever hold RE in an IRA but sounds like a strong deal if...you will own it. 

There are some private lenders (that have no credit background) trying to offer this out of their IRAs and such.

@Andy C.A few other considerations:1. construction loan might be difficult if you are doing a prefabbed ADU2. have you considered financing part of this through borrowing from your 401k/IRA account? 

A lender may require that you pay that off anyway to qualify for a loan.Once you have the 3-6 mo. emergency fund and paid off high interest debt, I'd personally probably be looking at paying off any moderate interest debt (4-5%+), opening an IRA, and setting aside a portion of what's left of the $100k to make max contributions for at least the next few years until I knew I could set aside enough income from my job yearly to make the contributions myself.