Max Gallagher, CFP

Private real estate goes beyond REITs. Learn the asset class basics — income vs. appreciation, public vs. private access — and how it fits a wealth plan.

If you’ve been feeling stuck between the tax bill of selling and the burdens of holding, it may be time to explore these alternatives. With the right guidance, you can step away from the landlord role while still protecting the wealth you worked so hard to build.

In this article, we break down the many nuances, traps, and tradeoffs to consider when purchasing private real estate in retirement accounts like an IRA or 401(k). When properly structured and located, self-directed retirement accounts can be a powerful tool for real estate and private business investors looking to own assets in a tax-deferred or tax-free account.