Turf’s Up Radio Tip of the Week

“Hey, this is Darren from The Landscape Hero with your Turf’s Up Radio Tip of the Week.

Most contractors think of an IRA as just a retirement savings account for stocks and bonds. But with a self-directed IRA, you can use those funds to buy rental property, land, or even flip houses.

One of the cleanest ways is through what’s called a ‘checkbook IRA.’ You set up a self-directed IRA with a custodian, that IRA forms an LLC, and you manage it. The IRA funds the LLC, and the LLC buys and sells property. This gives you direct control, faster transactions, and lower fees—while staying compliant with IRS rules.

Why not just buy real estate in your own name? Because inside the IRA, profits grow tax-deferred—or tax-free if it’s a Roth IRA—and the property gets extra asset protection. The tradeoff: no personal use, no renting to family, no vacation weekends.

If you don’t already have an IRA, start by opening one: Traditional, Roth, or a SEP IRA if you’re self-employed and want higher contribution limits. Roll over existing funds or make new contributions, pick a custodian that allows self-direction, then set up your LLC. From there, you’re in business.

Your money should work as hard as you do. With the right setup, a self-directed IRA can be a powerful way to build wealth.

I’m Darren Gruner, and that’s your Turf’s Up Radio Tip of the Week.”