By J.P. Dahdah, Vantage Founder & CEO
Your Self-Directed IRA is more than just a retirement plan; it’s a ticket to the profitable world of “fix and flip” real estate investments.
This strategy, often associated with savvy real estate professionals, can become an empowering part of your retirement planning process. By leveraging the flexibility and investment capabilities of a Self-Directed IRA, you can step into the realm of real estate, transforming undervalued properties into robust income streams for your golden years.
However, fix and flip strategies are not without pitfalls. Experienced investors typically leverage proven business models, established processes, and preferred subcontractor relationships to maximize profits. And if you’re using your Self-Directed IRA to fund the investment, it’s important to understand the rules and best practices.
Here are 3 key considerations.
- Understand the IRS Rules
The IRS permits Self-Directed IRAs to invest in real estate, including fix and flip projects. However, strict rules govern these investments to maintain the tax-advantaged status of the IRA.
As the IRA owner, you cannot live in, manage, or work on the property. The same rule applies to any “disqualified persons,” such as your direct family members. Further, all income generated from the property sale must return to the Self-Directed IRA, with all expenses related to the property paid directly from your Self-Directed IRA funds.
So, if you are a fix and flipper whose go-to investment model involves personally contributing sweat equity to the deal, you need to adjust your strategy. Find a reputable third party (someone who is not deemed a disqualified person) to do the work you would typically perform.
- Evaluate Financing and Funding Options
The costs associated with the acquisition, renovation, and selling of a property in a fix and flip strategy must be paid with Self-Directed IRA funds.
If your Self-Directed IRA doesn’t have sufficient funds, you can consider leveraging your retirement account with a non-recourse loan. However, this approach introduces complexities, such as the Unrelated Business Income Tax (UBIT) on any income from the debt-financed portion of the property. Also, in case of default, the lender can only seize the property, not the other assets within the IRA or the owner’s personal assets.
If your Self-Directed IRA doesn’t have enough funds to complete every aspect of the investment strategy, and you don’t want to obtain an IRA loan for the deal, another popular option is to partner with other investors that are willing to bring in additional funds under agreed upon terms.
- Consider the Timing and Nature of Your Fix and Flip
Fix and flip investments are often time-sensitive.
The longer a property is held, the more costs are incurred in the form of property taxes, insurance, and possibly loan interest, which can impact your returns. Delays in renovation or in finding a buyer can significantly affect the return on investment. Also, consider that transaction processing times by your IRA custodian could potentially slow down the buying and selling process.
Therefore, it is important to consider various ways in which you can structure your IRA investment using investment vehicles, such as Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) and Limited Partnerships (LPs), that can help reduce transactional timelines, administrative hurdles, and IRA account fees.
Remember, just because you are using a Self-Directed IRA for your retirement investing doesn’t mean you need to go alone. Seek guidance from tax advisors, legal professionals, real estate agents, and other professionals.
In Summary
Utilizing a Self-Directed IRA for fix and flip investing can be an excellent strategy when managed correctly. It requires a comprehensive understanding of IRS rules, financial planning, time management, and often professional advice to ensure a profitable and compliant investment journey.
At Vantage, we pride ourselves on guiding our clients toward the right investments for their financial goals. Contact us to learn more about investing in multi-family properties with your Self-Directed IRA.