In this special edition of the Exchange Bros, David and Tom dive deep into the world of self-directed IRAs — what they are, how they work, and how you can take control of your retirement dollars to invest in real estate, private loans, and beyond.

They break down:

• Why Wall Street IRAs are limiting your options
• The difference between “true” self-direction vs. what your broker says
• How to structure an IRA LLC (aka Checkbook IRA)
• Common pitfalls, prohibited transactions & disqualified parties
• Real-world examples and war stories from years in the business

Whether you're new to retirement planning or looking to supercharge your portfolio, this episode is packed with practical advice, expert insights, and a few laughs.

01:47 – What Is a Self-Directed IRA?
05:08 – Prohibited Transactions & Disqualified Parties
07:31 – The IRA LLC / Checkbook IRA Explained
14:26 – Trust Companies: Not All Are Created Equal
18:33 – Joint Ownership & Multi-Member Structures
25:10 – Funding Pitfalls & Common Setup Mistakes
30:59 – Annual Responsibilities & Reviews
36:07 – Distribution Rules & In-Kind Strategies
54:08 – RMDs, Real Estate, and Retirement Goals
56:40 – Final Thoughts: Be Conservative, Stay Compliant

Disclaimer: It's not just about making investments; it's about avoiding costly mistakes. Listen in and get it right the first time.

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