When most people think about their IRA, the picture is usually the same: stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. But that’s only part of the story. With a self-directed IRA (SDIRA), investors can go beyond the traditional mix and open the door to alternative assets, like private lending, private equity, and real estate, that can diversify a retirement portfolio and provide dependable income streams.
For investors who want more control, flexibility, and alignment with their long-term goals, self-directed IRAs can be a powerful tool.
Understanding Self-Directed IRAs
A self-directed IRA works much like a traditional or Roth IRA in terms of tax benefits and contribution limits. The key difference lies in what you can invest in. While traditional custodians typically limit you to public markets, a self-directed IRA custodian allows you to access a wider range of investments.
This means you can use your retirement dollars to invest in:
- Private credit (such as promissory notes)
- Real estate (both direct and syndicated)
- Private equity and entrepreneur-focused funds
- Other alternative assets permitted by the IRS
One important note: not every custodian allows alternatives. Specialized firms, like CamaPlan, among others, make it possible to hold these types of investments inside an IRA.
Key Considerations Before Getting Started
If you’re thinking about using a self-directed IRA for alternatives, here are a few important points to keep in mind:
- Permitted vs. Prohibited Transactions
The IRS allows a wide range of alternative assets, but prohibits “self-dealing” and transactions with certain disqualified persons (such as parents, children, or spouses). - Custodian vs. Checkbook Control
Some investors prefer a custodian-controlled account, where the custodian executes transactions. Others establish an IRA-owned LLC for “checkbook control,” offering greater flexibility but also more responsibility. - Due Diligence Is Essential
With more investment options comes more responsibility. Self-directed investors need to carefully vet opportunities, partners, and structures. - Think About Liquidity & Retirement Goals
Alternatives often provide attractive returns, but they may be less liquid than public stocks. It’s important to match your IRA investments with your time horizon and retirement needs.
Why Consider Alternatives in Your IRA?
Traditional markets can be volatile, and bonds may not always provide the income or diversification investors seek. Alternatives can:
- Provide Steady Income — Private lending and credit strategies can deliver fixed returns, which is valuable in retirement.
- Offer Diversification — Real estate and private equity are less correlated with public stock markets.
- Support Long-Term Growth — Entrepreneurial investments and value-add real estate can capture growth potential outside Wall Street.
Current Offerings at Eppler Capital Funds
For investors using self-directed IRAs, or those who may want to set one up, Eppler Capital Funds has several offerings available that align well with retirement planning:
- Promissory Note Fund — A private credit strategy offering secure, fixed rates of return up to 9% annually. Designed for investors seeking predictable income.
- Acquisition Entrepreneur Fund — Backing entrepreneurs who acquire and grow established B2B businesses. This strategy provides exposure to private equity with the potential for substantial long-term returns. Close Date: September 30, 2025
- Southern NJ Value-Add Real Estate Opportunity — A medical office property in Southern New Jersey, this investment focuses on unlocking value through targeted improvements and operational enhancements. The project is structured as an 18–24 month hold, offering investors direct exposure to real estate with meaningful upside potential. Close Date: September 5, 2025 (closes in just a couple of weeks)
Closing Thoughts
Self-directed IRAs give investors the ability to take control of their retirement portfolios and align them with dependable income and long-term growth strategies. By opening the door to alternatives, investors can move beyond the traditional stock-bond mix and create a more balanced, resilient retirement plan.
If you’re interested in learning more about how to integrate these opportunities into your IRA, or about Eppler Capital Funds’ current offerings, feel free to reach out.
Best,
Craig Eppler
