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Blog & Case Studies
Guides and case studies on financing real estate inside retirement accounts.
Plain-English guides and real-world case studies on non-recourse lending for retirement accounts.
Case Study: Funding a Single-Family Rental with a Self-Directed IRA
An investor used a self-directed IRA plus a non-recourse loan at 70% LTV to acquire a single-family rental. The rental income supported a DSCR above 1.25, and the…
Read more →Case Study: Refinancing a Duplex Inside a Solo 401(k)
A Solo 401(k) owner refinanced a duplex to improve cash flow and free up reserves. Because the plan qualified for the real-property exception, the financed income avoided UDFI.…
Read more →Choosing a Self-Directed Custodian: What to Look For
A self-directed custodian holds title for your IRA and processes transactions. Look for experience with non-recourse lending, transparent fees, and responsive service. A Solo 401(k) may let you…
Read more →From Application to Closing: The Non-Recourse Timeline
A complete file typically closes in about 30 days: pre-qualification, application, term sheet, appraisal and underwriting, then closing with funds delivered to your custodian or plan. Running the…
Read more →Solo 401(k) vs Self-Directed IRA for Leveraged Real Estate
Both can own real estate, but they are taxed differently when debt is involved. A self-directed IRA may owe UBIT on the debt-financed share of income, while a…
Read more →Understanding the 70% LTV Limit on Non-Recourse Loans
Loan-to-value caps the financed portion of a property. At 70% LTV, roughly 30 to 35 percent down is typical. The limit protects both the lender and your account,…
Read more →DSCR Explained: Will Your Rental Qualify?
Debt-Service Coverage Ratio compares a property income to its payment. A DSCR of 1.25 means income covers the payment with a 25 percent cushion. We look for at…
Read more →UDFI and UBIT: What Every IRA Investor Should Know
When an IRA borrows to buy income property, the debt-financed share of income can be subject to Unrelated Business Income Tax, reported on Form 990-T. The taxable share…
Read more →The Real Property Exception: Why Solo 401(k)s Avoid UDFI
IRC 514(c)(9) provides a real-property exception that generally allows qualified plans, including Solo 401(k)s, to use leverage on real estate without triggering UDFI. Specific conditions apply, so confirm…
Read more →How Non-Recourse Lending Lets Your IRA Buy Real Estate
A non-recourse loan is secured only by the property, with no personal guarantee. Because the IRS forbids personally guaranteeing a loan to your retirement account, non-recourse financing is…
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Educational information only — not legal, tax, or financial advice. Confirm details with your own CPA, attorney, and a Non Recourse Loan specialist.