The Basics

The rules governing allowable investments by IRAs preclude an IRA's investment in life insurance, collectibles (e.g., artwork, antiques, metals, gems, and most coins) and S corporations.

All other types of investments are permitted, and thus the range of possible investment choices is nearly unlimited. Consequently, an IRA can purchase any form of real estate.

Real estate IRA investing opens up a huge range of alternative investments for individuals who are knowledgeable about real estate investing or who work with knowledgeable advisors, sponsors, or brokers. Investing in real estate for your retirement may serve as a means to diversify your retirement portfolio to hedge against the cyclical changes in the stock market, economy and bank and government-based investments.

For many who are experienced with real estate investing, real estate investments hold the potential to protect against the loss of principal while generating better than market rate returns through income production and capital gains. When real estate investments are not leveraged, both income and capital gains can flow back to IRAs tax-deferred (or tax-free if the IRA is a Roth IRA).