Self-Directed IRA Alternative Investments

The choice of Self-Directed IRA alternative investments really depends on the situation of the individual investor. A popular option for those who are strapped for time is to invest in a "maintenance-free" asset. This can take the form of a private placement or some other hands-free asset. In such an investment, the funds are given over to a third party, who then places them in a specific investment. The third party also performs all necessary maintenance for the investment.

If an investor has knowledge of a specific business area, they may want to consider an alternative asset related to that business. For instance, if the investor currently runs a bakery, they may consider using a Self-Directed IRA to invest in a baking equipment company. Since they know what works and what doesn't, they can focus on the products that have the greatest chance of success.

Other retirement investors look to alternative assets as a means of diversification. With Self-Directed IRAs, the possibilities expand to allow for almost any kind of alternative investment. Investors can balance their existing portfolios with IRA alternative investments like precious metals, real estate, and promissory notes.

Once an investor has decided on the right alternative asset, placing it in a Self-Directed IRA is easy. For most investors, this means just submitting a form and supporting documents to Madison Trust that name the alternative asset to be purchased.

Once the paperwork is received, Madison Trust will then acquire the asset on behalf of the investor's account. This process works well for low-maintenance assets like passive real estate investments, private placements, and private loans. 

If an investor finds they need a more robust platform for their transactions, then the account can be upgraded to an IRA LLC. The investor will then have the capability of purchasing assets directly with a dedicated checking account. This platform may be preferred for alternative assets that require multiple transactions.