Podcast
Directed IRA Podcast
Hosted by Mat Sorensen and Mark Kohler · EN
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.
34episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Getting Started with a Self-Directed IRA
6d ago00:29:06Tap to summarizeTo begin investing in real estate, small business, crypto, precious metals, & other alternative assets with a self-directed IRA: https://directedira.com/appointment/In this episode, I break down self-directed IRAs and how investors can use retirement funds to build wealth beyond traditional stocks and mutual funds. You’ll learn the basics of SDIRAs, the types of alternative assets you can invest in, key IRS rules to avoid costly mistakes, and strategies for using retirement accounts to invest in real estate, private deals, and more. Whether you’re new to self-directed investing or looking to expand your retirement strategy, this episode gives you everything to get started.For questions or to learn more about this episode's topic, book a call with an IRA specialist here: https://directedira.com/appointment/Other:Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.comMark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/ KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.comMain Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com
Transcribe →Investing in Real Estate with your Self-Directed IRA: Step-by-Step
2w ago00:59:06Tap to summarizeTo begin investing in real estate with a self-directed IRA, schedule a call with our team at Directed IRA: https://directedira.com/appointment/In this special episode of the Directed IRA Podcast, we had Nate Hare (Vice President at Directed IRA) walk through the step-by-step process of buying real estate inside a self-directed IRA. This episode covers how self-directed IRAs work, funding your account, purchasing property correctly, handling expenses and rental income, avoiding prohibited transactions, using non-recourse financing, and when an IRA/LLC or Checkbook Control IRA may make sense. Whether you’re new to self-directed investing or looking to expand your retirement strategy into real estate, this episode provides practical guidance and real-world examples to help you get started.Directed IRA Resource Directory: https://directedira.com/resource-directory/For questions or to learn more about this episode's topic, book a call with an IRA specialist here: https://directedira.com/appointment/Other:Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.comMark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/ KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.comMain Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com
Transcribe →Roth IRA v. HSA: Which is Better?
3w ago00:31:53Tap to summarizeTo open a self-directed Roth IRA, book a call with our team at https://directedira.com/roth-ira-account/To open a self-directed HSA? Book a call with our team at https://directedira.com/hsa-accounts/On today's episode of the Directed IRA Podcast, Mat and Mark step into the ring for a debate over two of the most powerful tax-advantaged accounts for building wealth: the Roth IRA vs. the HSA. Throughout the episode, they go punch-for-punch breaking down the key differences, tax benefits, contribution strategies, inheritance rules, and real-world investing opportunities inside each account. Whether you’re deciding which account to fund first or looking to maximize both, this episode delivers practical strategies and actionable retirement planning insights for investors and entrepreneurs alike.For questions or to learn more about this episode's topic, book a call with an IRA specialist here: https://directedira.com/appointment/Other:Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.comMark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/ KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.comMain Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com
Transcribe →What is an IRA LLC (or Checkbook Control IRA)?
4w ago00:30:38Tap to summarizeDownload our getting started guide to learn more about IRA LLCs: https://directedira.com/beginners-guide-ira-llc/In this episode of the Directed IRA Podcast, Mat Sorensen and Mark J. Kohler break down the Self-Directed IRA LLC, also known as the “Checkbook IRA LLC,” and explain how investors use it to buy real estate and alternative assets with greater control and flexibility.They cover how the structure works, what you can and can’t do as manager of the LLC, common mistakes investors make, and why proper setup matters for staying compliant with IRS rules and protecting your retirement assets.If you want to understand how experienced self-directed investors use IRA LLCs to simplify investing and protect their retirement wealth, this episode is a must-listen.For questions or to learn more about this episode's topic, book a call with an IRA specialist here: https://directedira.com/appointment/Other:Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.comMark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/ KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.comMain Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com
Transcribe →How To Buy Real Estate in Your Self-Directed IRA
Apr 3000:25:33Tap to summarizeDownload our getting started guide to investing in real estate with your IRA here: https://directedira.com/beginners-guide-investing-in-real-estate-with-your-ira/In this episode of the Directed IRA Podcast, Mat Sorensen and Mark J. Kohler break down how to invest in real estate using your IRA, Roth IRA, 401(k), or HSA.They explain how self-directed accounts allow you to buy rental properties, invest in syndications, and build tax-advantaged wealth outside of traditional stocks and mutual funds. Sharing real examples from their own deals, they highlight the potential for stronger returns, cash flow, and long-term growth.They also cover key rules to know, including prohibited transactions and what you can’t do inside your IRA, so you can invest with confidence.If you’re ready to take control of your retirement and invest in what you understand, this episode shows you how.For questions or to learn more about this episode's topic, book a call with an IRA specialist here: https://directedira.com/appointment/Other:Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.comMark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/ KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.comMain Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com
Transcribe →Real Self-Directed IRA Deals (Show and Tell with Mat and Mark)
Apr 2800:21:14Tap to summarizeTo get started download our getting started guide: https://directedira.com/beginners-guide/For questions or to open an account book a call with an IRA specalist here: https://directedira.com/appointmentIn this episode, Mat Sorensen and Mark J. Kohler record live from the Self-Directed IRA Summit and take a “show and tell” approach to real investments from their own self-directed retirement accounts.They highlight a short-term real estate lending deal and discuss how experienced investors evaluate opportunities, structure transactions, and stay disciplined when deploying retirement capital.The episode also touches on sourcing deals, maintaining investment standards, and the flexibility self-directed IRAs offer for investing in real estate and alternative assets.This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or investment advice. Investors should consult with their own advisors before making any investment decisions.For questions or to learn more about this episode's topic, book a call with an IRA specialist here: https://directedira.com/appointment/Other:Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.comMark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/ KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.comMain Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com
Transcribe →Self-Directed IRA Prohibited Transaction Rules
Apr 2300:24:34Tap to summarizeFor questions or to get started self-directing book a call with an IRA specalist at Directed IRA here: https://directedira.com/appointment/Schedule a consultation with KKOS Lawyers to structure your entities, optimize your tax strategy, and ensure your investments are properly protected: https://meetings.hubspot.com/kkos-lawyers/15-minute-client-advisor-interviewIn this episode, Mat Sorensen and Mark J. Kohler break down one of the most important rules in self-directed investing: prohibited transactions.Self-directed IRAs provide significant investment flexibility, but that flexibility comes with responsibility. Understanding and adhering to these rules is essential to protecting your retirement account from disqualification, avoiding unnecessary taxes and penalties, and properly executing alternative investment strategies.If you’re investing your retirement account into real estate, private deals, or other alternative assets, this is a foundational episode you should not overlook.For educational purposes only. Consult your own legal, tax, or financial advisors regarding your specific situation.For questions or to learn more about this episode's topic, book a call with an IRA specialist here: https://directedira.com/appointment/Other:Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.comMark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/ KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.comMain Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com
Transcribe →Transfers, Rollovers, & Contributions for Your Self-Directed IRA
Apr 1400:26:21Tap to summarizeDownload our Beginner’s Guide to Transfers and Rollovers: https://directedira.com/beginners-guide-transfers-rollovers/Have you ever wondered how to fund an IRA? Do you have money in an old 401(k) that you want to move into an IRA?In this episode, Mat Sorensen and Mark Kohler break down what it actually takes to move money into your account, and why this step can be easier or more frustrating than people expect.They cover the three primary ways to fund a self-directed IRA: transfers, contributions, and rollovers. Along the way, they explain why IRA-to-IRA transfers are usually the simplest option, why rolling over an old 401(k) can take more time, and how to handle the process without unnecessary delays.Still have questions about transfers and rollovers? Book a call with our team: https://directedira.com/appointment/ For questions or to learn more about this episode's topic, book a call with an IRA specialist here: https://directedira.com/appointment/Other:Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.comMark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/ KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.comMain Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com
Transcribe →How to Find, Vet, and Invest in Private Funds with a SDIRA (ft. Bridger Pennington)
Apr 700:38:53Tap to summarizeVisit Bridger's website: https://www.bridgerpennington.com/On this episode, Mat Sorensen is joined by Bridger Pennington, founder of Fund Launch, to walk through how investors can actually find, evaluate, and invest in private funds.They begin by establishing the role private funds play in today’s market and why capital continues to shift toward private assets, before turning to how investors are gaining access, including through self-directed IRAs, and what separates a well-structured fund from a poor one in manager selection.They cover key diligence factors like audits, fund administrators, fee structures, and alignment, along with common mistakes investors make when they jump into deals too quickly or with too little deal flow.The episode also touches on the bigger picture—how macro trends, timing, and market cycles impact private fund performance—and how to think more like an institutional investor when allocating capital.For questions or to learn more about this episode's topic, book a call with an IRA specialist here: https://directedira.com/appointment/Other:Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.comMark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/ KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.comMain Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com
Transcribe →BREAKING - U.S. Dept of Labor Releases New Landmark Rule Allowing Alternative Assets in 401(k) Plans
Apr 600:14:21Tap to summarizeIn this special "Breaking News" episode of the Directed IRA Podcast, Mat breaks down new guidance from the Department of Labor that could expand 401(k) access to alternative investments like private equity, real estate funds, and crypto.Mat explains why alternatives have largely been excluded—fiduciary liability under ERISA—and how the proposed rule shifts the focus to a prudent, process-based standard centered on risk-adjusted returns.Mat also discuss what the DOL’s “neutral” stance means for plan sponsors, what’s coming next from the SEC, and how this could reshape retirement investing.Most importantly, Mat highlights that owning alternative assets in an IRA is already possible through the power or self-directed IRAs. Tune in to learn more or visit directedira.com. For questions or to learn more about this episode's topic, book a call with an IRA specialist here: https://directedira.com/appointment/Other:Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.comMark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/ KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.comMain Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com
Transcribe →