Traditional self-directed IRA providers built their businesses on agent-dependent sales and support, and paper-heavy processes. That overhead gets passed to clients in the form of elevated setup fees and ongoing charges.

We built a digital-first model from the ground up, with structured education, a best-in-class knowledge base, and technology-enhanced support that eliminate overhead without compromising on expertise or compliance. Help is available around the clock, not just during business hours.

The result: setup fees and total cost of ownership at roughly half the industry average, with no per-transaction or asset-value-based fees. As your plan grows and your investment activity increases, your costs don't.

Read more: How are your fees so much less than other providers?

If you have an IRA — yes. IRAs are required by law to have a custodian: a regulated institution that holds the account and reports to the IRS. With a Checkbook IRA, that custodian's role is deliberately limited.  They handle contributions, distributions, beneficiary designations, and annual reporting, but play no role in your day-to-day investment activity. Self-Directed Plans works exclusively with IRAR Trust Company as custodian for all IRA plans.

If you have a Solo 401(k) — no. As the plan trustee and sponsoring business owner, you serve in that administrative role yourself. No third-party custodian is required.

Read more: Do I need a custodian?

Yes — your self-directed plan can bring the power of leverage into your retirement portfolio - potentially boosting your real estate investment’s ROI. IRS rules require that the mortgage be a non-recourse loan, meaning the lender's recourse is limited to the property only and you may not pledge a personal guarantee.

Leverage amplifies your plan's purchasing power and potential returns. A plan with $150,000 in capital can control a $300,000 property rather than a $150,000 one — and the full appreciation and cash flow return to the plan's tax-sheltered environment.

One tax consideration applies: leveraged real estate in an IRA may generate Unrelated Debt-Financed Income (UDFI), a tax on the portion of gains attributable to borrowed funds. A Solo 401(k) is exempt from UDFI on real property — a meaningful advantage for self-employed investors using leverage. For IRA investors, the tax is real but modest, and the benefits of leverage typically outweigh it at most financing levels.

Read more: Can my plan use a mortgage to purchase real estate?

Yes — real estate is one of the most common self-directed plan investments. The plan can hold virtually any type of property: residential rentals, commercial buildings, raw land, agricultural property, tax liens and deeds, and even foreign real estate. The plan takes title to the property, all expenses flow through the plan, and all income returns to it.

The key rule to keep in mind: the property must be a pure investment. You, your spouse, and certain family members cannot use it personally — not even a vacation home at market rent.

Read more: What is the workflow for buying real estate?