Historically, real estate has given many Americans with a stable investment vehicle that offers both income and appreciation. One of the greatest tools available to real estate investors is the self-directed IRA, – a government-sponsored retirement plan that allows real property investments.
Most investors believe that their only IRA investment options are bank CDs, the stock market, and mutual funds.
Few Americans realize that they have the option to self-direct their IRAs and other retirement plans into real estate—and that they can benefit from the tax advantages those plans provide.
IRA investments earn tax-deferred/tax-free profits. Imagine not having to pay taxes right away—or ever—on your real estate deals. Instead of paying 25, or 30, or even 50 percent of your profits to the government in taxes, you keep it.
A self-directed real estate IRA is technically no different than any other IRA (or 401k). The government created the IRA to allow investments to grow tax-free or tax-deferred compounded over time to maximize growth. The IRA can also qualify for yearly tax-deductions (depending on the account), provide asset protection and assets can be passed to future generations.
A self-directed real estate IRA is unique because it allows investments in real property.
Whether you’re buying your first property or preparing to sell, the Real Estate Investing Hub brings together tools, services, and resources to support every step of your investing journey.
Whether you’re buying your first property or preparing to sell, the Real Estate Investing Hub brings together tools, services, and resources to support every step of your investing journey.
| Real Estate IRA | Real Estate Checkbook IRA LLC | |
| Custody Costs | $50 new account set-up AMF based on account value | $50 new account set-up AMF based on account value |
| LLC Costs | N/A | $250 Processing Package or $1,295 LLC Formation Package ^ |
| Titan Bank Checking Account | N/A | required |
| Property Titling | Equity Trust Company Custodian FBO [Account Owner’s Name][IRA/CESA/HSA] | LLC Name (no reference to Equity Trust) |
| Tax ID (EIN for investments) | Equity Trust Tax ID: 05-0552743* | New EIN created for LLC |
| Payment Options: | ||
| ACH | ||
| Debit Card | ||
| Check | ||
| Time to have check in-hand | 1-4 days** | Immediate |
| Checkbook Control | ||
| Limited Liability Protection | ||
| Unlimited free wire transfers | ||
| Unlimited free ACH | ||
| Record keeping of transactions*** | Equity Trust myEQUITY | LLC manager of record keeping system |
| Real Estate IRA | |
| Custody Costs | $50 new account set-up AMF based on account value |
| LLC Costs | N/A |
| Titan Bank Checking Account | N/A |
| Property Titling | Equity Trust Company Custodian FBO [Account Owner’s Name][IRA/CESA/HSA] |
| Tax ID (EIN for investments) | Equity Trust Tax ID: 05-0552743* |
| Payment Options: | |
| ACH | |
| Debit Card | |
| Check | |
| Time to have check in-hand | 1-4 days** |
| Checkbook Control | |
| Limited Liability Protection | |
| Unlimited free wire transfers | |
| Unlimited free ACH | |
| Record keeping of transactions*** | Equity Trust myEQUITY |
^ $250 LLC Processing Package includes dedicated Onboarding Specialist who will assist with processing the account open, funding, and transfer. Additionally, includes Real Estate Checkbook IRA LLC & Self-Directed IRA instructional videos.
$1,295 LLC Formation Package by Equity Specialty Services includes above plus LLC Formation (Operating Agreement, EIN, initial State registration fee up to $200), State filing fee, and one free wire transfer to checking account. Additional State surcharge may apply. All fees must be paid by the retirement account.
* In some instances, clients my have to obtain a unique EIN for their IRA. This is most common when a client is investing in a UBIT generating deal.
** Depends on if expedited service and subject to additional fees.
*** Transactions include all investments, expenses, and revenue (rents).
This Real Estate 101 Guide Will Uncover: <ul class="real-estate-ira-page-ul"> <li>The <b>step-by-step process</b> to getting started</li> <li>Your real estate <b>investment options</b></li> <li>How to <b>sell your investment </b> in your IRA</li> <li><b>Much more</b></li> </ul>
Equity Trust enables you to easily invest in real estate using your self-directed IRA or other account, tax-deferred or tax-free.
Here’s what you need to know to reap the benefits of this powerful investment type in your self-directed account:
One of our specialized counselors will walk you through the process, or you can do it online with myEQUITY.
A few potential sources:
Possibilities include:
Easily initiate your investment with the Real Estate Wizard in myEQUITY.
Our liaisons are here to help you if you need it.
What is the difference between a self-directed IRA and a checkbook IRA?
Can my IRA purchase real estate that I currently own?
Am I restricted to only purchasing residential property with my IRA?
Can my IRA invest in a newly formed entity that will invest in real estate?
Let’s talk about your financial future.
Schedule a one-on-one session with an expert alternative investment counselor. We’re here to answer any questions, help guide you through the process, and provide more detailed information and education specific to your journey.
1 Equity WayWestlake, OH 44145
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© 2026 Equity Trust®. All rights reserved.
Equity Trust Company is a directed custodian and does not provide tax, legal or investment advice. Any information communicated by Equity Trust Company is for educational purposes only, and should not be construed as tax, legal or investment advice. Whenever making an investment decision, please consult with your tax attorney or financial professional. Equity Institutional services institutional clients of Equity Trust Company. Brokerage Services Available Through ETC Brokerage Services, Member SIPC, and FINRA. *Founded in 1974 | Self-Directed IRA Custodian since 1983. The predecessor business to Equity Trust Company was established in 1974 and the IRS approved as a custodian in 1983. **Assets under custody and administration as of 06/30/2026.
Terms of UsePrivacy PolicySite Map
© 2026 Equity Trust®. All rights reserved.
Equity Trust Company is a directed custodian and does not provide tax, legal or investment advice. Any information communicated by Equity Trust Company is for educational purposes only, and should not be construed as tax, legal or investment advice. Whenever making an investment decision, please consult with your tax attorney or financial professional. Equity Institutional services institutional clients of Equity Trust Company. Brokerage Services Available Through ETC Brokerage Services, Member SIPC, and FINRA. *Founded in 1974 | Self-Directed IRA Custodian since 1983. The predecessor business to Equity Trust Company was established in 1974 and the IRS approved as a custodian in 1983. **Assets under custody and administration as of 06/30/2026.
You are leaving trustetc.com to enter the ETC Brokerage Services (Member FINRA/SIPC) website (etcbrokerage.com), the registered broker-dealer affiliate of Equity Trust Company. ETC Brokerage Services provides access to brokerage and investment products which ARE NOT FDIC insured. ETC Brokerage does not provide investment advice or recommendations as to any investment. All investments are selected and made solely by self-directed account owners.
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