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City2Shore Real Estate, Arete Collection
Wooded Michigan lakefront shoreline at dusk

Your retirement money may be able to buy real estate.

Talk with RennieSee How It Works
  • Real estate guidance
  • Property analysis
  • Professional coordination

You worked hard to build it. Do you know what it can actually do?

Many people have questions about an old employer plan that nobody has ever answered in plain language. If any of this sounds familiar, you are in the right place.

“I left that employer years ago.”

“I do not really understand my old 401(k).”

“I would rather own something tangible.”

“I have always been interested in owning real estate.”

“I do not know who to trust.”

“I am afraid of doing something wrong.”

That is exactly why this page exists.

Rennie Barton, Realtor and Broker/Owner, City2Shore Arete Collection

18+

years in real estate

5.0

client rating

Owner

of the brokerage

Broker. Owner. Neighbor.

Rennie is not just an agent with a license. He co-founded the City2Shore Real Estate franchise, owns the Arete Collection brokerage, and has spent 18+ years training agents who are now top producers themselves.

Rennie is the real estate expert on the transaction, not the retirement expert. He helps buyers locate and evaluate property, while their custodian, CPA, and attorney handle the retirement-account decisions.

“I don’t help people decide whether to use a self-directed IRA. I help people who have already decided, with their custodian and advisors, to buy real estate through one.”

Rennie Barton
More about Rennie

What is a self-directed IRA?

It is still an IRA. The difference is that the custodian may allow a broader range of investments, including certain types of real estate.

A typical IRA holds

  • Stocks
  • Bonds
  • Mutual funds
  • ETFs

A self-directed IRA may also hold

  • Residential rentals
  • Multifamily properties
  • Commercial real estate
  • Vacant land
  • Hunting land
  • Certain vacation rentals
Watch how it worksThe whole process, explained in one minute.

The IRS does not approve individual investments. The account must be administered by an appropriate custodian, and the transaction must follow applicable rules.

How the process works

  1. Start with the account

    Determine with your plan administrator and IRA custodian whether your account is eligible for a rollover or transfer.

  2. Talk with the right professionals

    Speak with a qualified self-directed IRA custodian and consult your own tax and legal advisors.

  3. Define your real estate goals

    Income property, land, long-term rental, multifamily, hunting property, waterfront, or another property type.

  4. Find and analyze the property

    Rennie helps buyers locate and evaluate real estate: the property-level details that could affect value, income, risk, and usability.

  5. Structure the purchase correctly

    The custodian, title company, agent, attorney, lender, and other professionals coordinate the proper ownership and closing process.

  6. Operate inside the IRA structure

    Income and qualified expenses generally remain within the IRA structure, subject to custodian procedures and applicable tax rules.

Do not sign contracts personally, pay expenses personally, perform work yourself, or use the property before confirming the correct procedure with your custodian and professional advisors.

Watch the one-minute video

Explore real estate some buyers consider for a self-directed IRA

These are Rennie's own current listings. Looking for something else? His site searches every Michigan home.

Browse All Properties
15295 E B Avenue, Augusta, MI, 49012
$529,900Homes

3 bd · 2 ba · 2.32 acres

15295 E B Avenue, Augusta, MI, 49012

View full listing on Rennie's site

2827 Florence Drive Sw, Wyoming, MI, 49418
$534,900Homes

3 bd · 2 ba · 0.73 acres

2827 Florence Drive Sw, Wyoming, MI, 49418

View full listing on Rennie's site

1875 Lester Lane, Hudsonville, MI, 49426
$469,900Homes

3 bd · 2.5 ba · 0.73 acres

1875 Lester Lane, Hudsonville, MI, 49426

View full listing on Rennie's site

The rules are the whole game

Possible actions, subject to review

  • Purchase investment real estate reviewed with the buyer's custodian and advisors
  • Receive investment income into the IRA structure
  • Pay qualified property expenses from IRA funds
  • Hire independent third parties for repairs and management
  • Sell the property and retain eligible proceeds inside the IRA
  • Work with a properly structured non-recourse loan when permitted
  • Partner with other eligible investors when correctly structured from the beginning

Things that may create serious problems

  • Personally using or vacationing at the property
  • Allowing certain disqualified family members to use the property
  • Purchasing a property you already own from yourself
  • Selling your personal property to your IRA
  • Paying property expenses from a personal checking account
  • Personally receiving rent
  • Personally performing repairs or improvements
  • Using the IRA-owned property as collateral for a personal loan
  • Signing documents in the wrong name or capacity
  • Receiving a direct personal benefit from the property
  • Assuming all debt or rental income is automatically tax-free

One prohibited transaction can create serious tax consequences. Ask first. Act second.

Certain deals between the IRA and people close to you may be prohibited, no matter how reasonable they look. That usually includes:

  • The IRA owner
  • The IRA owner's spouse
  • Parents and grandparents
  • Children and grandchildren
  • Spouses of children and grandchildren
  • Certain fiduciaries
  • Certain businesses controlled by disqualified persons

Not a complete legal definition. Have your custodian and advisors review everyone involved before proceeding.

Talk with Rennie

A short call is the easiest first step. No pressure, no obligation, just an honest conversation about your real estate goals.

1505 Quincy St SW, Grandville, MI 49418

Rennie Barton, Realtor®, Broker/Owner

Rennie Barton

Realtor®, Broker/Owner, City2Shore Arete Collection

Call (616) 856-1492Email Rennie

renniebarton@city2shore.com

Educational information only, not legal, tax, or investment advice.

Common questions, straight answers

Read all 31 questions and answers

Clients trust Rennie. Here is why.

“His ability to deliver a buyer for our home. Early on, we made the decision to trust his expertise and are so glad we did! He consistently demonstrated a high level of professionalism while at the same time being personable.”
Clark BaileyHome seller · via Google
“I could go on about all of the things that went right with this process but the thing that I hope will help others the most is trusting him and his team.”
Ryan BennettHome seller · via Google
“We received so many good offers, we were overwhelmed. After accepting an offer, we were walked through the closing process easily and comfortably. When we have need of a realtor in the future, we will choose City2Shore Real Estate.”
Paul WillisHome seller · via Google
“They explained each step of the process and was in continual communication with me to answer my questions and concerns. Putting my trust in City2Shore's team was the best decision I made. I would recommend them wholeheartedly!”
Aaron KnightCity2Shore client · via Google
“Their communication skills shined when they had detailed conversations with us about the market. They also went above and beyond by going to our for sale home and collecting some mail for us. I would highly recommend City2Shore Real Estate as your realtor.”
Laura WardHome seller · via Google
“We anticipated buying a home that likely needed some changes to make more family-friendly. Because of his experience renovating and building homes, he was able to bring a fresh perspective to room use, layouts and possibilities.”
Nicholas Murphy GHome buyer · via Google
Read all of Rennie's reviews

You do not need to have all the answers before you call.

If you have retirement money and you are curious whether real estate may fit your goals, let's have an honest conversation. I will help you understand the real estate side, identify the questions you need to ask, and determine whether a deeper review makes sense.

Talk with RennieCall Rennie

No pressure. No obligation. No guaranteed outcome. Just clarity.

CallTalk with Rennie