Skip to content
City2Shore Real Estate, Arete Collection

Articles

Abstract blue illustration of a horizontal tank with a rising pipe and a fill line, ringed by thin inspection circles and corner measurement marks on a gradient background

Property due diligence · September 5, 2026

Underground storage tank due diligence for Michigan self-directed IRA property

Before a self-directed IRA buys Michigan property, find out whether a fuel or heating-oil tank sits under the parcel, what registration and closure the state requires, and how the account should handle a tank or a leak.

Read the article
Abstract blue illustration of a building footprint inside two nested outlines, one solid and one dashed, with thin inspection rings and corner measurement marks on a gradient background

Account administration · September 4, 2026

Should a self-directed IRA hold Michigan property directly or through an LLC?

Before a Michigan self-directed IRA buys property, decide whether the account holds it directly or owns a Michigan LLC that does, and what each structure changes for title, annual reports, taxes, and the account's rules.

9 minute read
Abstract blue illustration of several small building footprints arranged around a shared common area ringed by a dashed boundary, connected by thin paths, with a few measurement ticks on a gradient background

Property due diligence · September 3, 2026

Property owner associations, community associations, and vacation clubs for a Michigan self-directed IRA

Before a Michigan self-directed IRA buys a parcel in a property owner association, community association, or vacation club, learn how to verify the dues, reserves, special assessments, and use rules, and how the account should handle them.

9 minute read
Abstract blue illustration of a parcel connected to a public road by two dashed access lanes, with a surveyed corner mark and a route ring on a gradient background

Property due diligence · September 2, 2026

Legal access, private roads, and shared driveways on a Michigan self-directed IRA property

Before a Michigan self-directed IRA buys a parcel, confirm how it legally reaches a public road, who maintains a private road or shared driveway, and what a landlocked parcel means for the account.

9 minute read
Abstract blue illustration of a row of building facades inside a dashed historic-district boundary with an inspection ring and a small marker post on a gradient background

Property due diligence · September 1, 2026

Historic property and local historic district due diligence for Michigan self-directed IRA real estate

Before a self-directed IRA buys a Michigan property, check whether it is in a local historic district or on the National Register, what design rules and the state historic tax credit mean, and how the account handles the costs.

9 minute read
Abstract blue parcel with a narrow dashed strip easement crossing it, a dashed restricted covenant area, a surveyed corner mark, and measurement ticks on a gradient background

Property due diligence · August 31, 2026

Reading recorded easements and restrictive covenants on a Michigan self-directed IRA property

Before a Michigan self-directed IRA buys property, learn how to read a recorded easement or restrictive covenant, what it grants or limits, who it benefits, and whether it fits the account's intended use.

9 minute read
Abstract blue layered shoreline contours with a dashed high-risk erosion area boundary along a parcel edge, a surveyed corner mark, and measurement ticks on a gradient background

Property due diligence · August 30, 2026

High-risk erosion area due diligence for Michigan self-directed IRA property

Before a self-directed IRA buys Michigan shoreline property, find out whether the parcel sits inside a designated high-risk erosion area, what work EGLE's permit process covers, and how the account handles the review.

9 minute read
Abstract blue layered dune ridges with a dashed critical dune area boundary, a surveyed corner mark, and measurement ticks on a gradient background

Property due diligence · August 29, 2026

Critical dune area due diligence for Michigan self-directed IRA real estate

Before a self-directed IRA buys Michigan property in a Critical Dune Area, learn what Part 353 regulates, which projects need an EGLE permit, how the review runs, and how the account should handle dune work.

9 minute read
Abstract blue parcel crossed by layered wetland contour bands, with a dashed wetland boundary, a surveyed corner mark, and measurement ticks on a gradient background

Property due diligence · August 27, 2026

Wetlands due diligence for Michigan self-directed IRA real estate

Before a self-directed IRA buys Michigan property, find out where a wetland actually is, how a delineation is done, which permits a wetland can trigger, and how the account should pay for the work.

9 minute read
Abstract blue field of contour bands with a dashed parcel boundary, a surveyed corner mark, and measurement ticks on a gradient background

Property due diligence · August 26, 2026

How Michigan assesses agricultural land, and what a self-directed IRA should check before buying farmland

Michigan values farmland by its agricultural use, not its market value for a higher use. Here is how the classification works, when it can change, and what an IRA must confirm before it buys.

9 minute read
Abstract illustration of a building outline on layered ground lines with a curved dashed path arcing toward a marker point on a blue gradient field

Account administration · August 25, 2026

What happens to a self-directed IRA that owns Michigan property when the owner dies

An IRA passes to the beneficiary under the designation, not the will. What that means for a Michigan property inside the account: spousal options, the 10-year and 5-year distribution rules, and the liquidity question a property creates.

10 minute read
Abstract illustration of two building outlines facing each other across a central line with a small arrow, above layered ground lines and inspection rings on a blue gradient field

The rules · August 24, 2026

Selling Michigan real estate held in a self-directed IRA

When a Michigan property sits inside a self-directed IRA, the account is the seller: vesting, custodian approvals, prohibited-transaction screens, and the account's own tax filing. What to check before the listing goes live.

9 minute read
Abstract illustration of two building outlines resting on a dashed blue seam line above layered strata and a descending bore line on a blue gradient field

Property due diligence · August 23, 2026

Severed mineral interest due diligence for Michigan self-directed IRA property

Severed oil and gas rights can sit under a Michigan property for decades without showing up in a listing. What to check in the deed chain, title commitment, and state well records before your self-directed IRA buys the surface.

10 minute read
Abstract illustration of two building outlines joined by a circular swap ring on a blue gradient field

The rules · August 22, 2026

Running a like-kind exchange through a self-directed IRA in Michigan

Internal Revenue Code section 1031 lets an investor swap investment real estate and defer gain, but doing it inside a self-directed IRA adds actual and constructive receipt, prohibited-transaction, and custodian rules. What to check before the exchange clocks start.

11 minute read
Abstract blue document with text lines next to a bright verification ring on a blue gradient field

Account administration · August 21, 2026

Choosing a self-directed IRA custodian for Michigan real estate

Before your self-directed IRA buys Michigan property, vet the custodian: written procedures, exact vesting language, the full fee schedule, funding timelines, and the red flags that say to look elsewhere.

10 minute read
Abstract illustration of layered building outlines and a central assessment ring on a blue gradient field

Property due diligence · August 20, 2026

Property condition assessments for Michigan self-directed IRA real estate

Before an IRA buys a Michigan building, a property condition assessment pulls the roof, HVAC, electrical, and structural reviews into one standardized report. Learn what it covers, the two standards it runs on, and how it fits the account.

10 minute read
Abstract illustration of layered water lines and inspection rings on a blue gradient field

Property due diligence · August 19, 2026

Shoreline and water boundary due diligence for Michigan IRA property

Before a self-directed IRA buys Michigan water-edge property, review where the parcel ends at the water, wetlands, docks, permits, and account procedures.

10 minute read
Abstract blue contract sheet with a sealed handoff, two party marks, and layered payment lines moving toward a focused review point

Financing due diligence · August 18, 2026

Land contract due diligence for Michigan self-directed IRA property

Before an IRA takes the buyer side of a Michigan land contract, review who keeps title, the deed timing, payment flow, default terms, and account procedures.

10 minute read
Abstract blue property contours with drainage paths, site structures, and focused inspection rings

Property due diligence · August 16, 2026

Site drainage and grading due diligence for Michigan IRA property

Before a self-directed IRA buys Michigan property, review grading, swales, drains, culverts, permits, repair scopes, and account procedures.

10 minute read
Abstract blue parcel boundary with a building outline, survey points, offset lines, and focused inspection rings

Property due diligence · August 15, 2026

Boundary survey due diligence for Michigan self-directed IRA property

Use a Michigan boundary survey to review legal descriptions, improvements, access, easements, encroachments, and IRA procedures before buying property.

10 minute read
Abstract blue property document with layered answer lines, a building outline, and focused review rings

Property due diligence · August 14, 2026

How to review a Michigan seller disclosure for an IRA property

Use a Michigan seller disclosure to plan records requests, inspections, repair estimates, and custodian review before an IRA-owned residential purchase.

9 minute read
Abstract blue rental building connected to account, repair, and recordkeeping paths with focused review rings

Account administration · August 13, 2026

Property management due diligence for Michigan IRA rentals

Review a Michigan rental property manager's license, agreement, rent controls, repair authority, vendors, records, and self-directed IRA procedures.

10 minute read
Abstract blue building frame with wood-grain lines, below-grade paths, and focused inspection rings

Property due diligence · August 12, 2026

Termite due diligence for Michigan self-directed IRA property

Review termite evidence, wood damage, moisture sources, treatment records, contractor credentials, and IRA payment procedures before buying Michigan property.

9 minute read
Abstract blue building facade with layered wall lines, window openings, and focused inspection rings

Property due diligence · August 11, 2026

Windows and exterior wall due diligence for Michigan IRA property

Before a self-directed IRA buys Michigan property, review windows, doors, siding, masonry, water paths, repair scopes, permits, and account procedures.

10 minute read
Abstract blue plumbing supply and drain paths with inspection rings and a building sewer line

Property due diligence · August 10, 2026

Plumbing and sewer due diligence for Michigan IRA property

Before a self-directed IRA buys Michigan property, review supply and drain systems, sewer scope, permits, repair costs, records, and account procedures.

10 minute read
Abstract blue heating and cooling system with airflow paths, equipment lines, and focused inspection rings

Property due diligence · August 9, 2026

Heating and cooling due diligence for Michigan IRA property

Before a self-directed IRA buys Michigan property, review HVAC records, permits, equipment condition, venting, repair scope, costs, and account procedures.

10 minute read
Abstract blue roof and attic profile with layered drainage paths and focused inspection rings

Property due diligence · August 8, 2026

Roof and attic due diligence for Michigan IRA property

Before a self-directed IRA buys Michigan property, review roof records, attic conditions, drainage, repair scope, permits, costs, and account procedures.

10 minute read
Abstract blue electrical panel with layered circuits, inspection points, and a focused review ring

Property due diligence · August 3, 2026

Electrical due diligence for Michigan IRA property

Before an IRA buys Michigan property, review electrical records, service capacity, panels, wiring, safety devices, repair scope, and payment procedures.

10 minute read
Abstract blue building foundation with layered structural lines, measured movement points, and inspection rings

Property due diligence · August 2, 2026

Foundation and structural due diligence for Michigan IRA property

Before a self-directed IRA buys Michigan property, investigate foundation movement, framing changes, engineering needs, repair costs, and payment procedures.

10 minute read
Abstract blue property outline with layered valuation bands and a focused year-end measurement ring

Account administration · August 1, 2026

Annual valuation of Michigan self-directed IRA real estate

Learn how to prepare an annual fair market value for Michigan real estate held in a self-directed IRA, including records, appraisal scope, RMD timing, and custodian reporting.

10 minute read
Abstract blue commercial building with layered lease records, payment lines, and review rings

Property due diligence · July 31, 2026

Commercial lease due diligence for Michigan self-directed IRA property

Before an IRA buys leased Michigan commercial property, verify every lease, rent payment, option, expense obligation, deposit, default, and account procedure.

10 minute read
Abstract blue building cross-section with moisture paths, inspection points, and concentric review rings

Property due diligence · July 30, 2026

Mold and moisture due diligence for Michigan self-directed IRA property

Before an IRA buys Michigan property, trace water sources, review mold findings, define cleanup and repairs, vet contractors, and plan account payments.

10 minute read
Abstract blue building cross-section with layered materials, inspection points, and a focused survey ring

Property due diligence · July 29, 2026

Asbestos due diligence for Michigan self-directed IRA property

Before an IRA buys or renovates Michigan property, review suspect materials, survey limits, contractor credentials, project costs, and account procedures.

10 minute read
Abstract blue property grid with a rental building, layered record lines, and inspection rings

Property due diligence · July 28, 2026

Rental certification and zoning due diligence for Michigan IRA property

Before a self-directed IRA buys a Michigan rental, verify zoning, legal unit count, registration, inspection certificates, violations, and local deadlines.

10 minute read
Abstract blue rental property surrounded by layered policy lines and a focused coverage ring

Property due diligence · July 27, 2026

Insurance due diligence for Michigan self-directed IRA rentals

Before a self-directed IRA buys a Michigan rental, verify ownership, property use, coverage forms, deductibles, exclusions, claims, and payment procedures.

10 minute read
Abstract blue foundation cross-section with rising soil-gas points and concentric test rings

Property due diligence · July 26, 2026

Radon due diligence for Michigan self-directed IRA property

Before a self-directed IRA buys Michigan property, review radon test conditions, results, mitigation estimates, existing systems, and account procedures.

9 minute read
Abstract blue parcel and elevated building crossed by layered flood contours

Property due diligence · July 25, 2026

Floodplain due diligence for Michigan self-directed IRA property

Check FEMA maps, elevation records, past water damage, development limits, insurance, financing, and IRA procedures before buying Michigan property.

9 minute read
Abstract blue house profile with layered painted surfaces, inspection rings, and small dust-like points

Property due diligence · July 24, 2026

Lead-based paint due diligence for a Michigan IRA rental

Before an IRA buys a pre-1978 Michigan rental, review lead disclosures, testing, repair rules, contractor credentials, costs, and account procedures.

9 minute read
Abstract blue property outline inside a secured lending boundary with layered payment lines

Financing due diligence · July 23, 2026

Non-recourse financing for Michigan self-directed IRA real estate

Review recourse, collateral, lender terms, custodian procedures, and possible unrelated debt-financed income before an IRA finances Michigan real estate.

10 minute read
Abstract blue cross-section with a well shaft, underground water layers, and a septic drainfield pattern

Property due diligence · July 22, 2026

Private well and septic due diligence for Michigan IRA property

Before a self-directed IRA buys Michigan property with a private well and septic system, verify the records, water quality, system condition, local requirements, and account payment process.

10 minute read
Abstract blue grid of condominium units with layered document lines and a focused review point

Property due diligence · July 21, 2026

Michigan condo due diligence for a self-directed IRA

Before a self-directed IRA buys a Michigan condo, review rental restrictions, association finances, assessments, insurance, repairs, and account procedures.

9 minute read
Abstract blue building grid layered with lease records and matching review points

Property due diligence · July 20, 2026

Buying a tenant-occupied Michigan rental with a self-directed IRA

Before a self-directed IRA buys a tenant-occupied Michigan rental, reconcile leases, deposits, rent records, property condition, local rules, and account setup.

9 minute read
Abstract blue parcel boundary layered with record lines and a bright review point

Property due diligence · July 19, 2026

How to read a Michigan title commitment for an IRA property

Learn how to review ownership, the legal description, requirements, easements, liens, and survey matters before a Michigan self-directed IRA property closing.

8 minute read
Abstract blue parcel grid with measured bands and a bright assessment point

Property due diligence · July 18, 2026

Michigan property tax due diligence for self-directed IRA real estate

Learn how taxable value, transfers, PRE status, millage rates, delinquent taxes, and assessments can affect an IRA property budget in Michigan.

8 minute read
Abstract blue layers crossed by site-sampling rings and a clean property boundary

Property due diligence · July 17, 2026

Environmental due diligence for Michigan self-directed IRA real estate

Learn how to screen a Michigan property for contamination, decide when a Phase I assessment fits, and document the review before an IRA purchase.

8 minute read
Abstract parcel boundary and contour lines across a layered blue field

Property due diligence · July 16, 2026

Buying vacant land with a self-directed IRA in Michigan

Before an IRA buys vacant land in Michigan, verify access, zoning, wetlands, soils, utilities, carrying costs, and the account's ownership rules.

8 minute read
Abstract illustration of a checked path leading toward a property outline on a blue field

Buying process · July 15, 2026

A due-diligence checklist for self-directed IRA real estate in Michigan

An IRA does not make an ordinary property problem disappear. Use this practical checklist to examine the account rules, the building, and the local market before moving toward an offer.

6 minute read
Abstract illustration of thin lines with one bright boundary line on a blue gradient

The rules · July 14, 2026

Prohibited transactions, explained without the legal fog

The rules around IRA-owned real estate sound intimidating, but they reduce to one idea: the account invests, you do not benefit. Here is the plain version.

6 minute read
Abstract illustration of five ascending points climbing toward a bright ring

Buying process · July 13, 2026

Five questions to ask before buying real estate with retirement money

Before anyone writes an offer, five questions decide whether a property belongs in an IRA at all. Ask them early and the rest of the process gets much calmer.

6 minute read
Abstract illustration of expanding rings on a blue gradient field

The basics · July 12, 2026

What a self-directed IRA can and cannot buy, in plain English

A self-directed IRA is still an IRA. The difference is the menu. Here is what that menu may include, what it never includes, and why the details matter.

5 minute read

Educational information only, not legal, tax, or investment advice. Always review your situation with your own custodian, CPA, and attorney.

CallTalk with Rennie