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Welcome back to the IRA Cafe podcast! In this episode, host Kyle Moody sits down with Paul Thompson, CEO of Real Estate 101, for an inspiring and practical conversation on scaling from residential to commercial real estate and leveraging self-directed IRAs for financial freedom.

Paul shares his journey from 17 years in the corporate world to becoming his own boss and building wealth through strategic real estate investments. He walks listeners through how he overcame career dissatisfaction, developed his investing acumen, and now helps others transition into real estate entrepreneurship even if they’re starting with limited capital.

From creative deal structures like bankless deal architecture and owner financing, to navigating today’s uncertain market and identifying opportunities within the “Silver Tsunami” of retiring baby boomers, Paul offers actionable advice for both new and seasoned investors. The episode is packed with stories and wisdom on how to create your own opportunities, partner with others, and use self-directed retirement accounts to invest passively and actively in real estate all aimed at achieving what Paul calls “3x freedom”: time, location, and financial independence.

Key takeaways:

1. Paul’s transition from a traditional W2 job to real estate entrepreneur highlights the importance of defining your personal “why” and pursuing time and location freedom, not just higher income.
2. You don’t need a fortune to get started. Paul advocates developing the skill of deal-finding and partnering with others for funding and operations, especially through self-directed IRA and Solo 401k capital.
3. The “bankless deal architecture” strategy allows creative acquisition of real estate through installment sales and owner financing offering sellers flexibility, potential tax benefits, and investors lower barriers to entry.
4. The current real estate landscape is rich with opportunity thanks to the “Silver Tsunami” a wave of baby boomers looking to exit property ownership, often willing to negotiate creative terms when approached with the right solutions.
5. Achieving lasting financial security comes from owning assets, not just earning a salary Paul's “3x freedom” framework encourages listeners to seek wealth-building vehicles that enable control over their time, location, and finances so they can spend meaningful moments with loved ones.

Whether you’re looking to break free from a draining job or searching for your next smart investment move, this episode delivers guidance, motivation, and real-life examples of how to take that next step toward your own financial independence.

Schedule a free consultation with our team today!

Download Our Free Guide to Self Directed IRAs!

Welcome back to another episode of the IRA Cafe podcast! In this installment, host Kyle Moody sits down with Michael Ciaburri, founder of Worth Avenue Capital, for an insightful look into the world of private lending and how self-directed IRAs can play a vital role in private credit investing.

Michael Ciaburri shares his journey from decades in the regulated banking industry – including his experience founding and leading a small bank in New Haven, Connecticut – to establishing his own direct private lending firm, Worth Avenue Capital. This episode dives deep into differences between traditional bank loans and private credit, exploring the appeal of speed, flexibility, and creative financing solutions that private lenders like Worth Avenue Capital can offer borrowers.

The conversation also spotlights how self-directed IRA investors, particularly high-net-worth and real estate-focused individuals, can strategically diversify their retirement portfolios by investing in syndicated private loans secured by real estate. If you’ve wondered about the nuts and bolts of using retirement funds for private credit, syndication versus fund models, and the real-world business of short-term bridge lending, you’ll find practical tips and inside stories here.

Key takeaways:

1. Private Credit Versus Traditional Banking: Michael Ciaburri explains that private lending is largely unregulated compared to traditional banking, giving lenders flexibility and speed. Unlike banks, private lenders focus heavily on collateral and exit strategy over cash flow, making them a preferred option for borrowers needing quick capital or those facing bank regulatory hurdles.
2. The Syndication Model Advantage: Rather than running large, fee-heavy funds, Michael syndicates his loans, which means no fees for investors and often higher net returns (typically 14–15% per year). This direct approach allows self-directed IRA participants to invest in private loans without the overhead or diluted returns associated with pooled investment vehicles.
3. Utilizing Self-Directed IRAs for Private Loans: Investors can use self-directed IRAs to participate as lenders in Worth Avenue Capital’s bridge loans. Interest income is returned directly to their IRA, amplifying the benefits of tax-deferred growth and giving investors a fixed, predictable return that’s secured by real estate.
4. Assessing Borrowers and Deals: Michael highlights the importance of due diligence, especially on the borrower – including background checks, analysis of personal finances and tax returns, and always requiring personal guarantees. He emphasizes that understanding the exit strategy is crucial to protect investors’ principal and assure timely repayment.
5. Borrowers and Market Focus: While Worth Avenue Capital started out as a last-resort lender, it now works with very successful businesspeople, real estate developers, and high-net-worth individuals who value speed and certainty of funding over the lowest interest rate. The firm lends primarily along the East Coast, focusing on wealthy communities and only doing deals secured by substantial real estate assets to minimize risk.

Whether you're a seasoned investor looking to enhance your portfolio's performance or just curious about the mechanics of private lending with IRA assets, this episode provides a practical roadmap for capitalizing on today’s opportunities in private credit.

Schedule a free consultation with our team today!

Download Our Free Guide to Self Directed IRAs!

Welcome to another compelling episode of the IRA Cafe podcast! Host Kyle Moody is joined by Ben Suttles, co-founder of Disrupt Equity, for an inspiring discussion on Ben Suttles’s journey from single-family real estate investing to building a multifamily investment empire.

In this episode, Ben unpacks the origins of Disrupt Equity, the company’s people-first mission, and how leveraging technology and vertical integration have been essential to their explosive growth. He shares insights on creating lasting, positive impacts for tenants, employees, and communities through both business practices and philanthropy, highlighted by their in-house 501c3, Disrupt Gives. Ben also gives practical advice to new investors looking to get into multifamily, with a deep dive into the advantages of self-directed IRAs in real estate syndications and the flexible approaches his team offers for accredited investors.

The conversation highlights the resilience required in today’s real estate environment, including lessons learned from market shocks, challenges in property management, and the importance of managing macroeconomic risks. If you’re curious about the power of multifamily investing, scaling your impact, or how self-directed IRAs can boost your retirement portfolio, this episode is packed with first-hand wisdom and actionable takeaways.

Key takeaways:

1. Mission-Driven Business: Disrupt Equity’s simple but powerful mission to help people live the life they want guides every business and philanthropic decision, centering on tenants, investors, employees, and partners alike.
2. Tech and Integration as Differentiators: The firm’s IT roots lead to leveraging AI, automation, and vertical integration, from management to construction and insurance, positioning them as industry disruptors and ensuring efficient, client-focused operations.
3. Philanthropy and Community Impact: Through their nonprofit, Disrupt Gives, Ben Suttles and his partner provide rental assistance, financial literacy, and direct support to residents in need, fostering stability and upward mobility within their communities.
4. Self-Directed IRA Investing Explained: Ben Suttles breaks down how investors can use self-directed IRAs to participate in multifamily syndications, taking advantage of increased control, diversification, and the potential for better returns compared to traditional retirement vehicles.
5. Real Estate Reality and Resilience: Success in multifamily comes from adapting to challenges—whether it’s managing through COVID, skyrocketing insurance costs, or inflation by building a strong team, focusing on risk mitigation, and always learning from experience.

Tune in to hear Ben Suttles’s story and learn how mission-driven leadership and innovative approaches can make a real difference for investors and communities.

Schedule a free consultation with our team today!