"Why haven't I heard about this before?"

Most individuals don't know this opportunity exists because most IRA custodians do not offer truly self-directed IRAs that allow Americans to place their monies in real estate and other non-traditional investments.

Often, when you ask your custodian/trustee, "Can I place my retirement funds in real estate?" they will say, "I've never heard of that" or, "No, you can't do that."

Now w hat they really mean is that you can't do this at their company because they have a vested interest in getting you to invest in their stock, mutual fund or CD products. They are not really looking-out for your best interest, they are looking-out for the best interest of their stockholders!

A truly self-directed IRA custodian will not only allow you to invest in all forms of real estate (or other investments not prohibited by the Internal Revenue Service*), but will also handle all transactions within your IRA under your direction.

For many years, corporations (large and small) as well as individual Americans have been using their retirement funds to invest in real estate using with IRAs, 401(k)s and other pension plans. But because most Americans have not been educated about their options, they might wonder, "Is this legal?"

Well, quite simply, it is. Click here to download IRS Publication 590 to learn more about for what you can and cannot use your retirement funds .

As mentioned before, due to its tax-free/deferred status, a self directed IRA placed in Private Mortgages is one of the most powerful wealth-building tools available. But why is this? What benefits can an IRA offer that your present strategies cannot?

Next: What are the benefits?

*see IRS publication 590