Real Estate Investing with Imagine IRA
Unlock the Power of Real Estate in Your Retirement Portfolio
At Imagine IRA, we believe your retirement strategy should be as unique as you are. Real estate is one of the most powerful ways to diversify your self-directed IRA, offering the potential for steady income, long-term appreciation, and true portfolio diversification beyond traditional stocks and bonds.
What Types of Real Estate Can You Hold in Your IRA?
With Imagine IRA, you can invest in a wide range of real property, including:
- Residential homes and multi-family units
- Commercial properties
- Vacation rentals and short-term rentals
- Pre-developed land and raw land
- Real estate development projects
- Trust deeds and secured notes backed by real estate
Whether you’re interested in rental income, property appreciation, or hands-off lending, Imagine IRA gives you the flexibility to pursue your real estate vision.
What Makes Real Estate in an IRA Different?
Direct Ownership, Direct Control:
When your IRA owns real estate, the property is held in the name of your IRA—not you personally. This means all income and expenses flow through your IRA, preserving your tax-advantaged status.
Tax-Deferred or Tax-Free Growth:
Rental income, capital gains, and profits from property sales can grow tax-deferred (Traditional IRA) or even tax-free (Roth IRA), depending on your account type.
Move Funds Between Projects:
With Imagine IRA, you can buy, sell, or flip properties within your IRA without triggering immediate taxes, allowing you to reinvest and compound your gains.
Key Considerations for IRA Real Estate Investors
1. Professional Property Management:
For most real estate investments (except raw land), a third-party property manager is required. This ensures all expenses—taxes, insurance, HOA fees, and maintenance—are paid directly from your IRA, keeping you compliant and hands-off.
2. Prohibited Transactions:
IRS rules prohibit you and other “disqualified persons” (such as close family members) from personally using, maintaining, or improving the property. All work must be performed by independent third parties, and all payments must come from your IRA.
3. No Personal Benefit:
You cannot live in, vacation at, or otherwise benefit personally from IRA-owned property. The investment must be strictly for retirement purposes.
4. Tax Considerations:
While your IRA shields you from many taxes, you cannot claim depreciation or mortgage interest deductions on IRA-owned property. If you use financing (non-recourse loans), be aware of Unrelated Debt-Financed Income (UDFI) and potential tax filings (Form 990-T).
5. Liquidity and Diversification:
Real estate can be less liquid than other investments. Consider your overall portfolio and ensure you maintain enough cash in your IRA for property expenses and emergencies.
Why Choose Imagine IRA for Real Estate Investing?
- Education First: We don’t just process transactions—we empower you with the knowledge to make confident, compliant decisions.
- Modern, Secure Portal: Manage your real estate investments, track income and expenses, and access documents 24/7.
- Expert Support: Our team guides you through every step, from property acquisition to ongoing management and compliance.
- Flexible Investment Options: Invest in single properties, portfolios, or even participate in real estate-backed notes and trust deeds.
Ready to Build Wealth with Real Estate in Your IRA?
Imagine what’s possible when you take control of your retirement with real assets. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just getting started, Imagine IRA is here to help you unlock the full potential of real estate in your retirement plan.
Start your journey today—contact us to learn more or open your Imagine IRA account.
