Authors

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Kaaren Hall
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BiggerPockets

Self-Directed IRA Investing: A BiggerPockets Guide

Take control of your future and discover a powerful retirement secret for real estate investors: self-directed IRAs.

In this BiggerPockets Guide, you'll learn:


  • How self-directed IRAs work—and why learning about them is a major advantage for real estate investors
  • Strategies to maximize your earnings—to grow your wealth, reduce risk, and save money on your taxes
  • The different types of self-directed IRAs—everything from traditional and self-directed IRAs to Real Estate IRAs and IRA LLCs
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Self-directed IRAs have been around for more than 50 years, but they’ve recently seen a surge in popularity. And with good reason: They empower you to invest in real estate and other avenues outside of Wall Street. If you want to keep more of what you earn, win in the real estate market, and exceed your retirement goals, SDIRAs are a great choice for your financial future. 

Retirement savings represent a multi-trillion-dollar pool of assets, and maximizing the impact of your investments is easier than you think. With Self-Directed IRA Investing: A BiggerPockets Guide, you can set realistic financial goals, gain access to capital, and open up new possibilities for your financial future.

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Customer Rating and Reviews

Customer Reviews

Based on 14 reviews
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J
Jon C. (Santa Ana, CA)
A Practical Guide to Taking Control of Your Retirement Investing

Kaaren Hall’s Self-Directed IRA Investing is an outstanding resource for anyone looking to take a more active role in their retirement strategy. The book does a great job breaking down complex concepts—like IRS rules, prohibited transactions, and alternative investing—into clear, easy-to-understand language.

What really stands out is the balance between education and practicality. It’s not just theory—you get actionable insights, real-world examples, and a solid framework for building a strategy that fits your goals. Whether you’re interested in real estate or just exploring options beyond traditional stocks and mutual funds, this book opens your eyes to what’s possible.

It’s especially valuable for beginners, but even experienced investors will find useful reminders and new perspectives. Overall, it’s a highly informative and empowering read for anyone serious about growing their retirement wealth through self-directed investing.

D
David R. (Peoria, AZ)
Tremendous resource for the self-directed IRA experience

Kaaren Hall does an incredible job explaining the mechanics and advantages of self-directed accounts. Offers actionable tips for building a winning strategy and setting realistic goals. Also helps readers understand IRS rules and prohibited transactions. I highly recommend this book for all investors.

J
Jeff D. (Overland Park, KS)
Self-Directed IRA Investing by Kaaren Hall is a must read

Self-Directed IRA Investing by Kaaren Hall is more than just a guide—it’s a practical roadmap for anyone looking to break free from traditional, stock-only retirement strategies. Written in a clear and approachable style, the book walks readers through how to use a Self-Directed IRA or Solo 401(k) to invest in alternative assets, opening the door to opportunities many investors don’t even realize exist.

What makes this book especially compelling is its blend of actionable guidance and context. Hall doesn’t just explain the “how”—she also dives into the evolution of retirement accounts, giving readers a deeper understanding of why these powerful tools exist today.

Whether you’re just getting started or already have investing experience, the book delivers real value. It simplifies complex IRS rules, highlights common pitfalls, and helps you think strategically about building a personalized investment plan using retirement funds.

If you’re serious about taking more control over your financial future, this book isn’t just informative—it’s empowering. A must-have for anyone looking to expand their investing playbook and grow long-term wealth.

K
Khang N. (Anaheim, CA)
Great resource for SDIRAs

A practical, approachable guide to using self-directed IRAs especially strong on real-estate investing. Clear explanations of custodians, prohibited transactions, and UBIT, plus helpful checklists and real-world examples. It leans toward property and stays somewhat high-level on niche assets, and it’s not a substitute for professional tax or legal advice. Great as a starting roadmap for beginners and real-estate investors.

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Lesly S. (Anaheim, CA)

Self-Directed IRA Investing: A BiggerPockets Guide is an excellent resource for both new and experienced IRA investors. It clearly explains how these accounts work, how to maximize earnings, reduce risk, and take advantage of tax benefits. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to take control of their retirement strategy.

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About the Authors

Kaaren Hall is a financial industry leader with over 20 years of experience in mortgage banking, real estate, and property management. As founder and CEO of uDirect IRA Services, LLC, she has guided the company to manage over $1 billion in assets, helping thousands of Americans diversify their retirement portfolios through self-directed IRAs.

Kaaren also founded the Orange County Real Estate Investors Association (OCREIA) and serves on the Board of Directors for the Retirement Industry Trust Association (RITA), contributing to the organization's mission of expanding retirement savings opportunities for Americans. Kaaren is recognized for her innovative investment strategies, particularly during challenging economic periods, and her ability to simplify complex financial concepts for investors.

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