[tehlike]

Having shares of a private company is still possible with retirement accounts. It is a bit more work. You can roll an ira to an self-directed ira and invest in all sorts of financial instruments including real estate.

[syedkarim]

Maverick401k simplifies the process of setting up a Solo 401k.

http://learn.maverick401k.com/investing/private-business-inv...

[hndl]

Can you share some resources here (e.g., services you've used)?

[tehlike]

Someone referred me to equity trust. I am still looking around what to do with my ira - I am currently comfortable with stocks in vanguard, but once it grows to be sizable, RE won't be out of possibilities.

[gibybo]

EDIT: Oops I misunderstood tehlike and had a comment about 401k -> IRA rollovers here which wasn't actually relevant.

[iakh]

Self directed IRAs are fairly specialized and are not offered by most brokerages. They also generally cost several hundred in annual fees just to maintain the account, regardless of usage.

[notyourwork]

That’s not true at all, fidelity is self managed and free aside from selling or stock. I’ve managed my own Roth and traditional Ira for years this way.

[iakh]

Sorry, but I don't believe that's accurate[1]. Being able to manage your own Roth and Traditional IRAs does not a "self-directed IRA" make.

[1] https://www.quora.com/What-is-a-Fidelity-self-directed-IRA

[notyourwork]

Perhaps I misunderstood, I would interpret self directed as an account I determine the direction of my investments. Thanks for clarifying.

[gibybo]

Sorry, you're right, I misunderstood.