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What Investments are Allowed in a Self-Directed IRA?

While standard IRAs consist of investments in stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, a Self-Directed IRA is a vehicle to invest in alternative assets with tax-advantaged retirement funds. Typically, these types of alternative investments aren't typically available at IRA brokerages like Fidelity, Vanguard, and Schwab. However, Self-Directed IRA investments can legally be in almost every possible category.

What Can You Buy With a Self-Directed IRA?

Investors are thrilled by the success they're acquiring through investing in alternative assets with a Self-Directed IRA.
Self-Directed IRA investment options include pretty much everything else that doesn't fit into these three categories. But with so many alternative investments available, you have plenty of choices for diversifying your retirement portfolio.


Here is a comprehensive (but not complete) list of Self-Directed IRA allowable investments.
View Allowable Assets

Real Estate

Commercial

  • Office buildings
  • Retail center
  • Hotels
  • Shopping centers
  • Hospitals
  • Medical offices
  • Warehouses
  • Parking garages
  • Vineyards

Private Placements

Loans

Tax Liens

&

Tax Deeds

What Can a Self-Directed IRA Not Invest In?

The IRS has only documented what a Self-Directed IRA can't invest in. These investments fall into three categories:

  • S-corporation stock
  • Collectibles
  • Life insurance policies

Want to learn whether your investment idea will work with a Self-Directed IRA?

Contact us today and we'll help you explore Self-Directed IRA-qualified investments and get started diversifying your retirement portfolio.
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Getting Started is Easy

1

Open a Self-Directed IRA

Open a self-directed retirement account with Madison Trust by completing our easy online application.

2

Fund Your Account

Fund your Self-Directed IRA by transferring or rolling over all - or a portion of - your funds from an existing retirement account, such as an IRA or 401(k), or by making an initial contribution.​

3

Place Your Investment

Instruct Madison Trust to send your IRA funds by writing a check or sending a wire directly to your investment.

Get Started

Our Story

Madison Trust is an industry-leading Self-Directed IRA custodian with a passion for empowering individuals to gain control of their retirement investing. Learn more about our story from our President & CEO, Daniel Gleich.

Ready to Get Started? We're Here for You! 

Madison Trust offers Self-Directed IRA services that are easy to get started with! Thanks to our dedicated Self-Directed IRA Specialists, you will be provided with step-by-step guidance from account setup all the way to placing your investment. 

It's time to start investing in what you know and believe in with a Madison Trust Self-Directed IRA!
Self-Directed IRA Specialist at Madison Trust to show our incredible customer service.

Ready to start investing in your future?

Fill out our form, and one of our IRA Specialists will answer any questions that you may have.
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Madison Trust Company
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(800) 721-4900
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