

Directed IRA Podcast
Mat Sorensen and Mark Kohler
A show dedicated to educating and informing self-directed IRA and 401(k) investors on strategies, investments, legal structures, tax rules, and pitfalls. Hosted by tax lawyers Mat Sorensen and Mark Kohler who are also co-founders of Directed IRA & Directed Trust Company (https://directedira.com) where they have provided self-directed accounts for thousands of customers. They cover and discuss Roth IRAs, solo(k)s, prohibited transactions, real estate, start-ups, notes, PPMs, PE/VC Funds, UBIT/UDFI, IRA/LLCs (aka, checkbook IRAs), and share examples and stories from their thousands of clients who have self-directed their retirement for decades.
Episodes
Mentioned books

9 snips
May 19, 2025 • 38min
Private Lending and Hard Money Loans with a Self-Directed IRA or Solo 401K
Discover how a Self-Directed IRA can transform your retirement savings into a private lending powerhouse. Learn the mechanics behind secured loans and the importance of assessing borrowers and properties. Debunk myths surrounding private lending and navigate essential documentation like promissory notes. Explore payment structures and their impacts on investors and borrowers. Enjoy tax-free growth while leveraging your networks in the real estate community to maximize wealth and opportunity.

May 14, 2025 • 10min
How to Buy a Rental Property in your IRA
In this podcast, Mat breaks down how he used his retirement account to purchase a real, physical rental property—and how he paid zero taxes on the rental income and six-figure profits when he sold. Most people think their retirement is locked into Wall Street investments, but Mat shows how you can use a Self-Directed IRA to invest in assets you know and trust—like real estate. He walks through the exact steps he took, the financial results, and how you can start taking control of your financial future by building wealth outside of traditional investments. 📚 Want to learn more? Get a copy of The Self-Directed IRA Handbook or schedule a call with the team at DirectedIRA.com.00:00 – Intro: I Bought This Rental in My IRAMat introduces the surprising truth—yes, you can buy a rental property with your IRA or 401(k).01:36 – Why Real Estate Over the Stock Market?Explaining why Mat believes real estate provides better returns and tax advantages than stocks.03:12 – How a Self-Directed IRA WorksAn overview of what a Self-Directed IRA is and how it gives you investment control beyond Wall Street.05:32 – The Exact Strategy I UsedMat breaks down his real-life example—buying a 3-bed, 2-bath rental in Indianapolis through his retirement account.07:14 – Setting Up the IRA LLC StructureHow to structure the deal using an IRA-owned LLC for control and liability protection.10:26 – The Financial Results: Rental Income and Big GainsMat shares the numbers—purchase price, rental income, sale price, and the $100K profit he made tax-free.12:17 – What I Did Next: Private Lending & More InvestingHow Mat reinvested the profits into private money lending and new deals.13:15 – Why You Should Take Control of Your RetirementThe emotional payoff—building a bigger retirement account and creating a life of freedom and choices.15:09 – Can You Really Do This? Yes! Here’s How to StartDirected IRA Homepage: https://directedira.com/ Directed IRA Explore (Linktree): https://linktr.ee/SelfDirectedIRA Book a Call: https://directedira.com/appointment/ Other:Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com & https://linktr.ee/MatSorensen KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.comMain Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

May 14, 2025 • 55min
How Investors are Turning Hotels into Homes People Can Afford - ft. Adam Hooper & Ryan Sudeck
In this episode of the Directed IRA Podcast, I sat down with Adam Hooper and Ryan Sudek from Sage Investment Group to dive into a high-impact real estate strategy: converting underutilized hotels into naturally affordable housing. We explored how this model delivers strong investor returns while addressing the affordable housing crisis—without relying on government subsidies. With over 20 successful conversions and more in the pipeline, this episode is packed with insights on real estate investing, IRA strategies, and wealth-building opportunities. If you're passionate about doing good while making money, you won't want to miss this conversation.0:00 - Intro - Real Estate Supply, Demand & Affordability Crisis0:30 - Meet Sage Investment Group & Their Mission1:43 - Why Hotels? A Strategic Conversion Model Explained6:13 - First Hotel Deal Case Study: Tucson Conversion10:11 - Why Not Office Conversions? Key Challenges12:05 - Investment Returns Without Sacrificing Impact15:15 - Deals That Didn’t Work and Why20:26 - Big Wins: Texas Hotel Acquisitions for Half Price23:09 - Hotel Industry Distress & The Patel Effect25:13 - Post-COVID Shifts in Hospitality and Opportunity27:06 - Using Self-Directed IRAs in Real Estate30:17 - Evergreen Fund Structure & Diversification Benefits31:54 - Liquidity & Exiting the Fund33:08 - 1031 Exchange Strategy Using a 721 UpREIT36:45 - Active Value Creation vs. Passive Investing38:06 - Is Now a Good Time to Invest in Real Estate?40:22 - Supply Forecasting & Conversions Market Potential44:27 - Personal Motivations & Building Investor Access48:31 - How M&A Skills Transfer to Real Estate51:18 - Fund Performance, Notes, and Final Investment Terms53:59 - How to Learn More & Get Involved👉 Want to learn more or invest?Visit sageinvestment.com/IRA for details on how Sage Investment Group helps turn underutilized hotels into high-yield, naturally affordable housing.📩 Have questions or ready to connect?Email ryan@sageinvestment.group or adam@sageinvestment.groupDirected IRA Homepage: https://directedira.com/ Directed IRA Explore (Linktree): https://linktr.ee/SelfDirectedIRA Book a Call: https://directedira.com/appointment/ Other:Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com & https://linktr.ee/MatSorensen KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.comMain Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

11 snips
May 7, 2025 • 53min
50 Minutes of Real Talk on Self-Directed IRAs and Alternative Investing
Dive into the world of self-directed IRAs and discover powerful investment strategies. The hosts explore the benefits of Health Savings Accounts for young adults and share humorous insights on family financial planning. Learn about the importance of asset protection in retirement accounts and how to navigate solo 401(k) options for entrepreneurs. Plus, uncover the intricacies of Roth contributions and the advantages of VA loans for property acquisition. It's a blend of practical advice and philosophical reflections for savvy investors!

Apr 7, 2025 • 8min
Backdoor Roth Strategy for 2025
In this episode of the Directed IRA Podcast, Mat Sorensen breaks down one of the most powerful tools for building long-term, tax-free wealth: the Backdoor Roth IRA. Many high-income earners believe they’re ineligible for Roth IRAs due to income limits—but that’s where the backdoor strategy comes in.Mat walks you through how the Backdoor Roth IRA works in 2025, including the three-step process of contributing to a traditional IRA, making it non-deductible, and then converting it to a Roth. He covers common pitfalls like the pro-rata rule and re-characterization mistakes, explains how to double up contributions for 2024 and 2025, and shares why this strategy remains one of the best-kept secrets in retirement planning—even with ongoing attempts by Congress to shut it down.Whether you're new to this strategy or need a refresher on the rules for 2025, this episode gives you the clarity and confidence to make it work.👉 Learn more and get started with your own Backdoor Roth IRA at https://directedira.com/backdoor-roth-ira/Directed IRA Homepage: https://directedira.com/ Directed IRA Explore (Linktree): https://linktr.ee/SelfDirectedIRA Book a Call: https://directedira.com/appointment/ Other:Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com & https://linktr.ee/MatSorensen KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.comMain Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

Mar 31, 2025 • 39min
Top 10 FAQs For Self Directed IRAs!
The hosts dive into the world of self-directed IRAs, debunking common myths and clarifying misconceptions. They break down what self-directed IRAs are and highlight versatile investment options, including real estate and startups. Tax advantages and the process of transferring funds without penalties are thoroughly explained. Listeners learn about key IRS restrictions and the importance of aligning investments with personal expertise. This insightful discussion serves both new and experienced investors looking to navigate the self-directed IRA landscape.

Mar 26, 2025 • 26min
How to Partner your IRA with others when doing Deals
In this episode of the Directed IRA Podcast, Mark Kohler and Mat Sorensen break down the mechanics of partnering your IRA with others in deals. Whether it’s pooling funds from multiple IRAs, combining accounts within a family, or structuring investments to comply with IRS rules, they cover the do’s and don’ts of co-investing. Tune in to learn how to structure partnerships, avoid prohibited transactions, and maximize your self-directed retirement investing strategy.Directed IRA Homepage: https://directedira.com/ Directed IRA Explore (Linktree): https://linktr.ee/SelfDirectedIRA Book a Call: https://directedira.com/appointment/ Other:Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com & https://linktr.ee/MatSorensen KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.comMain Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

Mar 17, 2025 • 28min
Investing in Private Companies, Funds, and Small business with a Self Directed IRA or solo 401k
In this episode of the Directed IRA Podcast, Mark and Mat break down how to use your self-directed IRA or 401(k) to invest in private businesses, funds, and startups. We’re not talking about running another business yourself—we’re talking about leveraging your expertise to identify valuable investment opportunities.Most people think investing with an IRA means buying stocks, but what if you could invest in the next big thing before it goes public? Whether it’s a local business you know has potential or a startup in your industry, using insider knowledge (legally!) can be a game-changer.We cover:✅ How investing in private companies differs from public stocks✅ Why broker-dealers don’t allow this—and how self-directed IRAs give you control✅ The risks and rewards of private business investments✅ How a Roth IRA can help you grow wealth tax-free with the right investmentsIf you’re looking for ways to maximize your retirement returns beyond traditional stocks and mutual funds, this episode is for you.Head over to DirectedIRA.com now to start your self directing journey! Directed IRA Homepage: https://directedira.com/ Directed IRA Explore (Linktree): https://linktr.ee/SelfDirectedIRA Book a Call: https://directedira.com/appointment/ Other:Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com & https://linktr.ee/MatSorensen KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.comMain Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

12 snips
Mar 10, 2025 • 33min
Banks Are Pushing Distressed Assets—Here’s What It Means for You! with Jamison Manwaring.
Jamison Manwaring, co-founder of Neighborhood Ventures, shares insights on a unique foreclosure deal his company secured at a significant discount. With the multifamily sector experiencing rising interest rates, he discusses how they plan to optimize the property’s value by increasing rents and improving management. Jamison also highlights the trend of banks pushing distressed assets and the impact of expiring rate caps. This conversation reveals the opportunities for savvy investors looking to navigate the current real estate landscape.

Mar 5, 2025 • 22min
Self Directed Mechanics - Transfers & Rollovers
In this episode of the Directed IRA Podcast, Mark Kohler and Mat Sorensen break down the key steps to setting up and funding a self-directed retirement account. If you have an existing IRA, 401(k), or another retirement account and you're wondering how to transition into self-directing, this episode is for you.Mark and Mat discuss the importance of understanding what type of retirement account you already have, how to take inventory of your funds, and what options are available for rolling over or transferring assets. They also highlight common mistakes people make when assuming what kind of account they hold—and how to avoid them.Whether you're an investor looking to move into alternative assets like real estate, crypto, or private deals, or just want more control over your retirement funds, this episode lays out the mechanics you need to know.Tune in to get expert insights and actionable steps for taking charge of your financial future with a self-directed IRA.Directed IRA Homepage: https://directedira.com/ Directed IRA Explore (Linktree): https://linktr.ee/SelfDirectedIRA Book a Call: https://directedira.com/appointment/ Other:Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com & https://linktr.ee/MatSorensen KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.comMain Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com