Directed IRA Podcast

In this episode of the Directed IRA Podcast, I sat down with Adam Hooper and Ryan Sudek from Sage Investment Group to dive into a high-impact real estate strategy: converting underutilized hotels into naturally affordable housing. We explored how this model delivers strong investor returns while addressing the affordable housing crisis—without relying on government subsidies. With over 20 successful conversions and more in the pipeline, this episode is packed with insights on real estate investing, IRA strategies, and wealth-building opportunities. If you're passionate about doing good while making money, you won't want to miss this conversation.

0:00 - Intro - Real Estate Supply, Demand & Affordability Crisis
0:30 - Meet Sage Investment Group & Their Mission
1:43 - Why Hotels? A Strategic Conversion Model Explained
6:13 - First Hotel Deal Case Study: Tucson Conversion
10:11 - Why Not Office Conversions? Key Challenges
12:05 - Investment Returns Without Sacrificing Impact
15:15 - Deals That Didn’t Work and Why
20:26 - Big Wins: Texas Hotel Acquisitions for Half Price
23:09 - Hotel Industry Distress & The Patel Effect
25:13 - Post-COVID Shifts in Hospitality and Opportunity
27:06 - Using Self-Directed IRAs in Real Estate
30:17 - Evergreen Fund Structure & Diversification Benefits
31:54 - Liquidity & Exiting the Fund
33:08 - 1031 Exchange Strategy Using a 721 UpREIT
36:45 - Active Value Creation vs. Passive Investing
38:06 - Is Now a Good Time to Invest in Real Estate?
40:22 - Supply Forecasting & Conversions Market Potential
44:27 - Personal Motivations & Building Investor Access
48:31 - How M&A Skills Transfer to Real Estate
51:18 - Fund Performance, Notes, and Final Investment Terms
53:59 - How to Learn More & Get Involved

👉 Want to learn more or invest?
Visit sageinvestment.com/IRA for details on how Sage Investment Group helps turn underutilized hotels into high-yield, naturally affordable housing.

📩 Have questions or ready to connect?
Email [email protected] or [email protected]

For questions or to learn more about this episode's topic, book a call with an IRA specialist here: https://directedira.com/appointment/

Interested in learning more about alternative investments? Join us this year at the Alternative Asset Summit October 22 & 23, where you'll hear from industry experts and connect with like-minded investors exploring new ways to build wealth: https://altassetsummit.com/

Other:

Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com

Mark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/ 

KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com

Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

Thinking of opening a Self-Directed IRA? Open an account today https://directedira.com/open-accounts/

In this exclusive live audience podcast, recorded at the Self-Directed IRA Summit, ‪@MarkJKohler‬ and I talk about how powerful the tool of self-directing is. Enjoy as we are accompanied by live attendees going over REAL self-directed investing scenarios.

For questions or to learn more about this episode's topic, book a call with an IRA specialist here: https://directedira.com/appointment/

Interested in learning more about alternative investments? Join us this year at the Alternative Asset Summit October 22 & 23, where you'll hear from industry experts and connect with like-minded investors exploring new ways to build wealth: https://altassetsummit.com/

Other:

Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com

Mark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/ 

KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com

Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

In this episode of the Directed IRA Podcast, Mat Sorensen breaks down one of the most powerful tools for building long-term, tax-free wealth: the Backdoor Roth IRA. Many high-income earners believe they’re ineligible for Roth IRAs due to income limits—but that’s where the backdoor strategy comes in.

Mat walks you through how the Backdoor Roth IRA works in 2025, including the three-step process of contributing to a traditional IRA, making it non-deductible, and then converting it to a Roth. He covers common pitfalls like the pro-rata rule and re-characterization mistakes, explains how to double up contributions for 2024 and 2025, and shares why this strategy remains one of the best-kept secrets in retirement planning—even with ongoing attempts by Congress to shut it down.

Whether you're new to this strategy or need a refresher on the rules for 2025, this episode gives you the clarity and confidence to make it work.

👉 Learn more and get started with your own Backdoor Roth IRA at https://directedira.com/backdoor-roth-ira/

For questions or to learn more about this episode's topic, book a call with an IRA specialist here: https://directedira.com/appointment/

Interested in learning more about alternative investments? Join us this year at the Alternative Asset Summit October 22 & 23, where you'll hear from industry experts and connect with like-minded investors exploring new ways to build wealth: https://altassetsummit.com/

Other:

Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com

Mark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/ 

KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com

Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

Mat Sorensen and Mark J. Kohler are back with another episode of the Directed IRA Podcast—this time answering the most frequently asked questions about self-directed IRAs. Mat, the CEO of Directed IRA, requested this episode himself because he’s tired of hearing the same questions over and over(Cleary we're kidding). So, he and Mark are tackling them head-on in this special "Getting Started" series.

Listeners will get clear answers on what they can invest in, what they should invest in, and the common mistakes to avoid. If you've ever wondered about real estate, private lending, startups, or alternative assets in your IRA, this episode is for you!

Tune in to learn:
✅ What a self-directed IRA actually is
✅ The top 10 most common investment questions
✅ Key IRS restrictions to watch out for
✅ Why investing in what you know is the smartest strategy

For more expert insights, 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/

Interested in learning more about alternative investments? Join us this year at the Alternative Asset Summit October 22 & 23, where you'll hear from industry experts and connect with like-minded investors exploring new ways to build wealth: https://altassetsummit.com/

Other:

Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com

Mark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/ 

KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com

Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

In this episode of the Directed IRA Podcast, Mark Kohler and Mat Sorensen break down the mechanics of partnering your IRA with others in deals. Whether it’s pooling funds from multiple IRAs, combining accounts within a family, or structuring investments to comply with IRS rules, they cover the do’s and don’ts of co-investing. Tune in to learn how to structure partnerships, avoid prohibited transactions, and maximize your self-directed retirement investing strategy.

For questions or to learn more about this episode's topic, book a call with an IRA specialist here: https://directedira.com/appointment/

Interested in learning more about alternative investments? Join us this year at the Alternative Asset Summit October 22 & 23, where you'll hear from industry experts and connect with like-minded investors exploring new ways to build wealth: https://altassetsummit.com/

Other:

Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com

Mark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/ 

KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com

Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

In this episode of the Directed IRA Podcast, Mark and Mat break down how to use your self-directed IRA or 401(k) to invest in private businesses, funds, and startups. We’re not talking about running another business yourself—we’re talking about leveraging your expertise to identify valuable investment opportunities.

Most people think investing with an IRA means buying stocks, but what if you could invest in the next big thing before it goes public? Whether it’s a local business you know has potential or a startup in your industry, using insider knowledge (legally!) can be a game-changer.

We cover:
✅ How investing in private companies differs from public stocks
✅ Why broker-dealers don’t allow this—and how self-directed IRAs give you control
✅ The risks and rewards of private business investments
✅ How a Roth IRA can help you grow wealth tax-free with the right investments

If you’re looking for ways to maximize your retirement returns beyond traditional stocks and mutual funds, this episode is for you.

Head over to DirectedIRA.com now to start your self directing journey! 

For questions or to learn more about this episode's topic, book a call with an IRA specialist here: https://directedira.com/appointment/

Interested in learning more about alternative investments? Join us this year at the Alternative Asset Summit October 22 & 23, where you'll hear from industry experts and connect with like-minded investors exploring new ways to build wealth: https://altassetsummit.com/

Other:

Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com

Mark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/ 

KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com

Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

Jamison Manwaring joins Mat Sorensen in the podcast to discuss a unique foreclosure deal that Neighborhood Ventures is acquiring. With rising interest rates and lenders tightening their grip, a prime multifamily property in Arcadia, Phoenix, recently went through foreclosure. Originally purchased for $18.25 million, Neighborhood Ventures secured it for $11 million, presenting a significant opportunity. Jamison explains how the property, already 91% occupied and recently renovated, was undervalued due to under-market rents. By strategically increasing rents and optimizing management, they aim to unlock its full potential.

This episode dives into the broader trend of distressed real estate opportunities as lenders force sales after months of extensions. Jamison also breaks down the mechanics of rate caps, why many are expiring, and how investors are using their Self Directed IRA to Invest in this deals.

Learn more about Neighborhood Ventures: https://neighborhood.ventures/

For questions or to learn more about this episode's topic, book a call with an IRA specialist here: https://directedira.com/appointment/

Interested in learning more about alternative investments? Join us this year at the Alternative Asset Summit October 22 & 23, where you'll hear from industry experts and connect with like-minded investors exploring new ways to build wealth: https://altassetsummit.com/

Other:

Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com

Mark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/ 

KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com

Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

In this episode of the Directed IRA Podcast, Mark Kohler and Mat Sorensen break down the key steps to setting up and funding a self-directed retirement account. If you have an existing IRA, 401(k), or another retirement account and you're wondering how to transition into self-directing, this episode is for you.

Mark and Mat discuss the importance of understanding what type of retirement account you already have, how to take inventory of your funds, and what options are available for rolling over or transferring assets. They also highlight common mistakes people make when assuming what kind of account they hold—and how to avoid them.

Whether you're an investor looking to move into alternative assets like real estate, crypto, or private deals, or just want more control over your retirement funds, this episode lays out the mechanics you need to know.

Tune in to get expert insights and actionable steps for taking charge of your financial future with a self-directed IRA.

For questions or to learn more about this episode's topic, book a call with an IRA specialist here: https://directedira.com/appointment/

Interested in learning more about alternative investments? Join us this year at the Alternative Asset Summit October 22 & 23, where you'll hear from industry experts and connect with like-minded investors exploring new ways to build wealth: https://altassetsummit.com/

Other:

Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com

Mark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/ 

KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com

Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

Is it possible to invest in crypto completely tax-free? Yes—if you use a Roth IRA! In this episode of the Directed IRA Podcast, Mat Sorensen breaks down how you can use a self-directed Roth IRA to invest in cryptocurrencies like XRP while avoiding capital gains taxes.

Most people assume Roth IRAs are limited to stocks, bonds, and mutual funds through major brokers like Fidelity or Schwab. But with a self-directed Roth IRA, you can invest in alternative assets—including crypto. Mat walks you through how to open a crypto Roth IRA, transfer funds tax-free, and use a Gemini trading account to start buying digital assets inside your IRA.

If you’re serious about growing your wealth with crypto while keeping your profits tax-free, this episode is a must-listen!

Learn More about A Crypto IRA here: https://directedira.com/cryptocurrency/

For questions or to learn more about this episode's topic, book a call with an IRA specialist here: https://directedira.com/appointment/

Interested in learning more about alternative investments? Join us this year at the Alternative Asset Summit October 22 & 23, where you'll hear from industry experts and connect with like-minded investors exploring new ways to build wealth: https://altassetsummit.com/

Other:

Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com

Mark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/ 

KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com

Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

Mat Sorensen and Mark J. Kohler break down the IRA LLC, also known as the Checkbook IRA, explaining how it works, when it makes sense, and how to avoid common pitfalls. As experienced tax attorneys, they clarify the rules, discuss asset protection benefits, and share real-world use cases. Whether you're investing in real estate, private loans, or other alternative assets, this episode gives you the key information to keep your self-directed IRA compliant while maximizing flexibility.

Learn More at: https://directedira.com/ira-llc/

For questions or to learn more about this episode's topic, book a call with an IRA specialist here: https://directedira.com/appointment/

Interested in learning more about alternative investments? Join us this year at the Alternative Asset Summit October 22 & 23, where you'll hear from industry experts and connect with like-minded investors exploring new ways to build wealth: https://altassetsummit.com/

Other:

Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com

Mark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/ 

KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com

Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com