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Directed IRA Podcast — Business
Directed IRA Podcast

The Directed IRA Podcast, hosted by attorneys Mat Sorensen and Mark J. Kohler, is the leading source for investors navigating the world of self-directed IRAs and 401(k)s. As co-founders of Directed IRA & Directed Trust Company (directedira.com), Mat and Mark have helped thousands of clients invest in alternative assets using tax-advantaged retirement accounts.

Episodes cover topics related to self-directing retirement accounts, such as Roth IRAs, Solo 401(k)s, real estate, private equity and venture funds, promissory notes, private placements (PPMs), start-ups, IRA/LLCs (Checkbook IRAs), and the UBIT/UDFI tax rules. The podcast also addresses prohibited transactions and shares real-world examples from investors who have successfully self-directed their retirement for decades.

Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just getting started, this podcast offers practical, expert-level insights into building wealth through self-directed strategies.

Mat Sorensen is an attorney, best-selling author of The Self-Directed IRA Handbook, and CEO of Directed IRA & Directed Trust Company, a leading self-directed IRA custodian with nearly $3 billion under administration. He is a national expert on self-directed retirement strategies and a Senior Partner at KKOS Lawyers. Mat also co-hosts The Main Street Business Podcast along with Mark J. Kohler.

Mark J. Kohler is a CPA, attorney, best-selling author of six books, and a nationally recognized authority on small business tax and legal strategies. Mark serves as a Senior Partner at KKOS Lawyers and Board Member at Directed IRA Trust Company, which manages over $3 billion in assets. As the founder of the Main Street Certified Tax Advisor Program, Mark has trained thousands of CPAs and Enrolled Agents nationwide, helping millions of small business owners better navigate tax and legal strategies. Mark also co-hosts The Main Street Business Podcast along with Mat Sorensen.

Copyright: © 2023 Directed IRA Podcast

Latest Episodes:

College Saving Strategies You Never Thought Of Jul 21, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Directed IRA Podcast, attorneys Mat Sorensen and Mark J. Kohler unveil a powerful and often overlooked strategy for funding your child’s college education without relying solely on a 529 plan. They break down how to combine a Coverdell ESA and a Roth IRA for your children, integrate those with self-directed investments, and potentially achieve tax free growth and distributions.

This episode is for business owners, parents, and investors looking for a smarter tax efficient way to save for education. Whether you’re new to self directing or already using these tools for retirement, this strategy could reshape how you approach college planning and family wealth building.

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to College Funding Secret
01:17 - Self- Directed Accounts for College Savings
03:35 - Kids Roth IRA Strategy
08:14 - Tax-Deductible Methods for Funding
12:17 - Legitimacy and Next Steps

For questions or to learn more about this episode's topic, book a call with an IRA specialist here: https://directedira.com/appointment/

Interested in learning more about alternative investments? Join us this year at the Alternative Asset Summit October 22 & 23, where you'll hear from industry experts and connect with like-minded investors exploring new ways to build wealth: https://altassetsummit.com/

Other:

Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com

Mark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/

KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com

Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

Key Questions When Self-Directing Your IRA Jul 14, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Directed IRA Podcast, Mat Sorensen and Mark J. Kohler tackle the ten most frequently asked questions they hear from clients, investors, and professionals about self-directed IRAs. Whether you're brand new to self-directing or looking to avoid common missteps, this episode offers clear, practical guidance grounded in real-world scenarios and thousands of consultations.

They cover what your IRA can and cannot invest in, how prohibited transactions work, when to use a checkbook IRA or IRA LLC, how UBIT applies to certain investments, and what type of account is best for your goals. If you've ever wondered whether you’ll pay tax to self-direct, how to fund your account, or whether you're too old or too young to get started, this is the episode for you.

Subscribe to the Directed IRA podcast for more episodes diving deeper into self-directed investing strategies. Visit directedira.com to learn more about taking control of your retirement investments.

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to Self-Directed IRAs
02:50 – What Can You Invest In?
04:05 – Investment Restrictions and Limitations
06:55 – The Prohibited Transaction Rules
08:40 – Choosing the Right Account Type
12:45 – Checkbook IRAs and IRA LLCs
18:35 – Taxes, Penalties and Common Misconceptions
24:30 – Finding Your Investment Strategy
29:20 – Final Thoughts and Disclaimer

For questions or to learn more about this episode's topic, book a call with an IRA specialist here: https://directedira.com/appointment/

Interested in learning more about alternative investments? Join us this year at the Alternative Asset Summit October 22 & 23, where you'll hear from industry experts and connect with like-minded investors exploring new ways to build wealth: https://altassetsummit.com/

Other:

Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com

Mark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/

KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com

Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

BEWARE - Avoid these Common Mistakes when Self-Directing Jun 30, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Directed IRA Podcast, Mat Sorensen and Mark J. Kohler dive into the Top 10 Mistakes in Self-Directing Your IRA—and how to avoid them. Whether you're just getting started or already managing self-directed investments, this episode outlines the most common pitfalls that can derail your retirement strategy, including prohibited transactions, improper deal structuring, and UBIT traps. Mat and Mark not only break down each mistake but also provide practical guidance on how to structure deals the right way to stay compliant and protect your tax-advantaged account. They also highlight a critical bonus topic on Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) for illiquid assets that every older investor must understand.

If you’re looking to confidently navigate self-directed retirement investing, this episode is for you.

00:00:08 – 00:01:50 – Intro, Past Events, & Empowering You to Self-Direct Your IRA
00:01:50 – 00:04:15 – Breaking Out of the Brokerage Box (Disney Analogy): Investment Freedom Explained
00:04:15 – 00:04:18 – Top 10 Mistakes in Self-Directing Your IRA
- 00:04:18 – 00:06:30 – Mistake 1: Early Commitment to Deals
- 00:06:30 – 00:07:54 – Mistake 2: Buying Assets You Already Own
- 00:07:54 – 00:08:36 – Mistake 3: Transacting with Disqualified Persons
- 00:08:36 – 00:11:30 – Mistake 4: Violating the 50% Rule in Business Ownership
- 00:11:30 – 00:13:12 – Mistake 5: Providing Services to IRA-Owned Assets
- 00:13:40 – 00:16:50 – Mistake 6: Personally Profiting from IRA Transactions
- 00:16:50 – 00:21:30 – Mistake 7: Using IRA-Owned Assets Personally
- 00:21:30 – 00:23:04 – Mistake 8: Improper Flow of Funds with IRA LLCs
- 00:22:55 – 00:24:20 – Mistake 9: Underfunding Investments and the Need for Capital Planning
- 00:24:20 – 00:31:04 – Mistake 10: Ignoring UBIT and UDFI Tax Traps
00:31:04 – 00:32:30 – Bonus: RMD Pitfalls with Illiquid IRA Assets
00:32:30 – 00:34:15 – Conclusion: Knowledge is Power—Avoiding Pitfalls with Confidence

For questions or to learn more about this episode's topic, book a call with an IRA specialist here: https://directedira.com/appointment/

Interested in learning more about alternative investments? Join us this year at the Alternative Asset Summit October 22 & 23, where you'll hear from industry experts and connect with like-minded investors exploring new ways to build wealth: https://altassetsummit.com/

Other:

Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com

Mark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/

KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com

Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

Waking Up Your Retirement Account: What Your 401(k) or Sleepy IRA Could Be Doing for You Jun 23, 2025

Show notes

Ready to get started? Book a call with one of our IRA specialists!: https://directedira.com/appointment/

If you’ve got an old 401(k) or IRA collecting dust, it’s time to take control. In this episode, Mat and Mark explain how to move your account into a self-directed IRA—without triggering taxes or penalties—and why it matters. You’ll learn what you can invest in, from real estate to startups, and how to avoid costly mistakes. Mat and Mark also share real examples and walk you through the steps to get started. Don’t let your retirement account sit idle—put it to work.

00:00:10 – Why Your Old 401(k) or Sleepy IRA Needs Attention
00:02:04 – Understanding the Power of Self-Directed IRAs
00:03:17 – Common Myths and Misconceptions
00:04:37 – What You Can Invest In with a Self-Directed IRA
00:05:13 – How to Move Your IRA Without Tax or Penalty
00:08:50 – Real Investment Examples: Real Estate, Crypto, and More
00:17:00 – Prohibited Transactions and Restrictions
00:20:32 – How to Get Started with Directed IRA

For questions or to learn more about this episode's topic, book a call with an IRA specialist here: https://directedira.com/appointment/

Interested in learning more about alternative investments? Join us this year at the Alternative Asset Summit October 22 & 23, where you'll hear from industry experts and connect with like-minded investors exploring new ways to build wealth: https://altassetsummit.com/

Other:

Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com

Mark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/

KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com

Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

Buying Gold and other Precious Metals in your IRA Jun 02, 2025

Show notes

Ready to get started? Book a call with one of our IRA specialists!: https://directedira.com/appointment/
In this episode, Mat Sorensen and special guest David McAlvany explore how to buy gold, silver, platinum, and palladium in your IRA. They explain the rules, benefits, risks, and strategies—whether you’re seeking portfolio diversification, inflation protection, or long-term growth. Learn how precious metals can fit into your retirement plan and what mistakes to avoid.
📌 Key Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction & Guest Background
02:30 – History of Precious Metals in IRAs
04:15 – Why Invest in Metals: Diversification & “Wealth Insurance”
11:00 – Tax Benefits of Using an IRA for Metals
13:00 – Storage Rules for Precious Metals in an IRA
14:00 – Gold vs. Other Precious Metals: What to Buy
26:00 – Gold vs. Crypto vs. Stocks
34:00 – Rebalancing Strategies for Long-Term Growth
47:00 – Due Diligence & Avoiding Overpriced Metals
🔗 Useful Links:
Learn more from McAlvany: https://mcalvany.com/directed
David McAlvany's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmcalvany/

For questions or to learn more about this episode's topic, book a call with an IRA specialist here: https://directedira.com/appointment/

Interested in learning more about alternative investments? Join us this year at the Alternative Asset Summit October 22 & 23, where you'll hear from industry experts and connect with like-minded investors exploring new ways to build wealth: https://altassetsummit.com/

Other:

Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com

Mark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/

KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com

Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

Should My Trust be the Beneficiary of My IRA? May 27, 2025

Show notes

Learn how to take control of your retirement - https://directedira.com/

In this episode, Mat and Mark dive into one of the most overlooked yet critical aspects of retirement and estate planning—who should be the beneficiary of your IRA? Should it be your spouse? Your kids? Or your trust? They break down the tax implications, legal requirements, and best practices to ensure your wealth is passed on efficiently and securely. With real-life stories and clear action steps, this episode is a must-listen for anyone with a retirement account.

00:00 – Welcome & Why This Topic Matters
00:25 – The Common Mistake Most People Make
01:02 – Why Trusts Often Get Left Out
01:58 – The Life Insurance Horror Story
03:19 – Why Beneficiary Designations Rule All
04:04 – Tips for Married Couples: Spouse First, Trust Second
05:08 – Why a Trust Helps with Minor or At-Risk Children
06:08 – Asset Protection & Special Needs Planning
06:50 – What Is a See-Through Trust?
08:06 – The IRS Rules & Structural Requirements
09:40 – Action Items: Audit, Update, Organize
11:00 – Wrapping Up: The Power of Being Organized

To get a comprehensive tax and legal plan get to my law firm KKOS Lawyers, https://kkoslawyers.com.

For questions or to learn more about this episode's topic, book a call with an IRA specialist here: https://directedira.com/appointment/

Interested in learning more about alternative investments? Join us this year at the Alternative Asset Summit October 22 & 23, where you'll hear from industry experts and connect with like-minded investors exploring new ways to build wealth: https://altassetsummit.com/

Other:

Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com

Mark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/

KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com

Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

Private Lending and Hard Money Loans with a Self-Directed IRA or Solo 401K May 19, 2025

Show notes

To book a call with an IRA specialist!: https://directedira.com/appointment/
In this episode, Mat and Mark break down the powerful strategy of using a Self-Directed IRA for private money lending. Learn how your retirement account can act like a bank—lending money to real estate investors or businesses, earning interest and points, all while growing tax-free or tax-deferred.

0:00 - Introduction to Private Lending with a Self-Directed IRA
1:20 - What is a Self-Directed IRA and How It Works
3:00 - Retirement Accounts You Can Use for Private Lending
4:26 - Secured vs. Unsecured Loans – What the Bank Would Do
6:23 - Debunking Private Lending Myths and Managing Risk
9:25 - Key Legal Docs: Promissory Note, Deed of Trust, UCC Liens
11:48 - Should You Lend Through Your IRA or an LLC?
14:30 - Lending Criteria: Property, Borrower, and Strategy
18:00 - Common Mistakes in Private Lending and How to Avoid Them
21:46 - Understanding Loan Terms: Interest, Points, and Payment Structures
28:26 - Tax-Free and Tax-Deferred Growth in Your Retirement Account
34:06 - How to Find Private Lending Opportunities and Deal Flow
36:32 - Balancing Action vs. Analysis – Know Thyself as an Investor
37:59 - Final Thoughts and Legal Disclaimer

For questions or to learn more about this episode's topic, book a call with an IRA specialist here: https://directedira.com/appointment/

Interested in learning more about alternative investments? Join us this year at the Alternative Asset Summit October 22 & 23, where you'll hear from industry experts and connect with like-minded investors exploring new ways to build wealth: https://altassetsummit.com/

Other:

Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com

Mark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/

KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com

Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

How to Buy a Rental Property in your IRA May 14, 2025

Show notes

In this podcast, Mat breaks down how he used his retirement account to purchase a real, physical rental property—and how he paid zero taxes on the rental income and six-figure profits when he sold. Most people think their retirement is locked into Wall Street investments, but Mat shows how you can use a Self-Directed IRA to invest in assets you know and trust—like real estate.

He walks through the exact steps he took, the financial results, and how you can start taking control of your financial future by building wealth outside of traditional investments.

📚 Want to learn more? Get a copy of The Self-Directed IRA Handbook or schedule a call with the team at DirectedIRA.com.

00:00 – Intro: I Bought This Rental in My IRA
Mat introduces the surprising truth—yes, you can buy a rental property with your IRA or 401(k).

01:36 – Why Real Estate Over the Stock Market?
Explaining why Mat believes real estate provides better returns and tax advantages than stocks.

03:12 – How a Self-Directed IRA Works
An overview of what a Self-Directed IRA is and how it gives you investment control beyond Wall Street.

05:32 – The Exact Strategy I Used
Mat breaks down his real-life example—buying a 3-bed, 2-bath rental in Indianapolis through his retirement account.

07:14 – Setting Up the IRA LLC Structure
How to structure the deal using an IRA-owned LLC for control and liability protection.

10:26 – The Financial Results: Rental Income and Big Gains
Mat shares the numbers—purchase price, rental income, sale price, and the $100K profit he made tax-free.

12:17 – What I Did Next: Private Lending & More Investing
How Mat reinvested the profits into private money lending and new deals.

13:15 – Why You Should Take Control of Your Retirement
The emotional payoff—building a bigger retirement account and creating a life of freedom and choices.

15:09 – Can You Really Do This? Yes! Here’s How to Start

For questions or to learn more about this episode's topic, book a call with an IRA specialist here: https://directedira.com/appointment/

Interested in learning more about alternative investments? Join us this year at the Alternative Asset Summit October 22 & 23, where you'll hear from industry experts and connect with like-minded investors exploring new ways to build wealth: https://altassetsummit.com/

Other:

Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com

Mark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/

KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com

Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

How Investors are Turning Hotels into Homes People Can Afford - ft. Adam Hooper & Ryan Sudeck May 14, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Directed IRA Podcast, I sat down with Adam Hooper and Ryan Sudek from Sage Investment Group to dive into a high-impact real estate strategy: converting underutilized hotels into naturally affordable housing. We explored how this model delivers strong investor returns while addressing the affordable housing crisis—without relying on government subsidies. With over 20 successful conversions and more in the pipeline, this episode is packed with insights on real estate investing, IRA strategies, and wealth-building opportunities. If you're passionate about doing good while making money, you won't want to miss this conversation.
0:00 - Intro - Real Estate Supply, Demand & Affordability Crisis
0:30 - Meet Sage Investment Group & Their Mission
1:43 - Why Hotels? A Strategic Conversion Model Explained
6:13 - First Hotel Deal Case Study: Tucson Conversion
10:11 - Why Not Office Conversions? Key Challenges
12:05 - Investment Returns Without Sacrificing Impact
15:15 - Deals That Didn’t Work and Why
20:26 - Big Wins: Texas Hotel Acquisitions for Half Price
23:09 - Hotel Industry Distress & The Patel Effect
25:13 - Post-COVID Shifts in Hospitality and Opportunity
27:06 - Using Self-Directed IRAs in Real Estate
30:17 - Evergreen Fund Structure & Diversification Benefits
31:54 - Liquidity & Exiting the Fund
33:08 - 1031 Exchange Strategy Using a 721 UpREIT
36:45 - Active Value Creation vs. Passive Investing
38:06 - Is Now a Good Time to Invest in Real Estate?
40:22 - Supply Forecasting & Conversions Market Potential
44:27 - Personal Motivations & Building Investor Access
48:31 - How M&A Skills Transfer to Real Estate
51:18 - Fund Performance, Notes, and Final Investment Terms
53:59 - How to Learn More & Get Involved
👉 Want to learn more or invest?
Visit sageinvestment.com/IRA for details on how Sage Investment Group helps turn underutilized hotels into high-yield, naturally affordable housing.
📩 Have questions or ready to connect?
Email ryan@sageinvestment.group or adam@sageinvestment.group

For questions or to learn more about this episode's topic, book a call with an IRA specialist here: https://directedira.com/appointment/

Interested in learning more about alternative investments? Join us this year at the Alternative Asset Summit October 22 & 23, where you'll hear from industry experts and connect with like-minded investors exploring new ways to build wealth: https://altassetsummit.com/

Other:

Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com

Mark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/

KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com

Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

50 Minutes of Real Talk on Self-Directed IRAs and Alternative Investing May 07, 2025

Show notes

Thinking of opening a Self-Directed IRA? Open an account today https://directedira.com/open-accounts/
In this exclusive live audience podcast, recorded at the Self-Directed IRA Summit, ‪@MarkJKohler‬ and I talk about how powerful the tool of self-directing is. Enjoy as we are accompanied by live attendees going over REAL self-directed investing scenarios.

For questions or to learn more about this episode's topic, book a call with an IRA specialist here: https://directedira.com/appointment/

Interested in learning more about alternative investments? Join us this year at the Alternative Asset Summit October 22 & 23, where you'll hear from industry experts and connect with like-minded investors exploring new ways to build wealth: https://altassetsummit.com/

Other:

Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com

Mark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/

KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com

Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

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