Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing MB498: Unlock the $40 Trillion Secret Hiding in Retirement Accounts - With Kaaren Hall
Did you know there’s more than $40 trillion sitting in U.S. retirement accounts — most of which could be invested in real estate? In this episode, Michael Blank chats with Karen Hall, Founder of uDirect IRA and author of The BiggerPockets Guide to Self-Directed IRA Investing, to break down the rules, tax implications, and best practices that allow investors to use their retirement funds to participate in real estate syndications. Whether you're a GP raising capital or an LP investing passively, this conversation will help you unlock one of the biggest capital sources in the world.
Key Takeaways:
- There is $40 trillion in retirement accounts — a huge capital pool most investors overlook.
- Self-directed IRAs can invest in syndications, rentals, notes, crypto, precious metals, and more.
- The IRS has prohibited transaction rules — keep investments arm’s length to avoid penalties.
- UBIT/UDFI taxes can apply when leverage is involved — tax advisors are essential.
- A solo 401(k) can reduce some debt-related tax exposure.
- Recent laws may allow employer 401(k)s to include alternative investment funds, opening the door wider.
- Always ask investors: “Do you have retirement funds?” — because most won’t think of it themselves.
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For full episode show notes visit: https://themichaelblank.com/podcasts/session498/