22935 Ventura Blvd. Los Angeles, CA

Self-Directed IRAs: A Smarter Way to Invest in Real Estate

by | Apr 19, 2016 | Real Estate | 0 comments

moneygrowthFor more than three decades, The Entrust Group has provided account administration services for self-directed retirement and tax-advantaged plans. The Entrust Group continues to assist people in purchasing alternative investments with their retirement funds, administering the buying and selling of assets that are typically unavailable through banks and brokerage firms such as real estate.

The Entrust Group even created its own Real Estate IRA Center for individual investors and real estate professionals who wanted something more from their IRAs. The aim of the program? To help break down the Real Estate IRA investment process, explain the paperwork required, and walk people through the various IRS regulations.

It was back in the early ’80s when Bill Keller, a broker with Coldwell Banker in the Napa Valley region, first became familiar with The Entrust Group as his interest in assets, such as residential and commercial real estate and other non-traditional investments, continued to grow.

“I was looking for some way to do my own investment, self-directed, and I couldn’t find anything like that,” says Keller. “Whenever you looked into retirement, you had to buy stocks, and I wasn’t a big fan of that,” he adds. “I wanted to do my own thing. I discovered The Entrust Group and learned that I could do some investments on my own.”

For almost three decades, Keller has been a happy client of The Entrust Group, and being in the real estate game himself, he understood the money he could make by investing in real estate. Still, while investing in real estate with a self-directed IRA isn’t too different from a regular real estate purchase, Keller needed guidance regarding the rules and processes that had to be followed to do it right.

“I started with notes and deeds of trust, and I was able to really build up my retirement portfolio,” he says. “There were never any problems. It worked so well that I convinced most of my associates to open up an account with The Entrust Group, and many of us have bought notes together thanks to their help.”

In the beginning, Keller had a dedicated agent on behalf of The Entrust Group who was very knowledgeable about the business, and these days, he says The Entrust Group’s entire team is just as aware of what’s going on. In fact, Keller feels that service is one of the key features that makes the company stand out.

“They are always responsive and get the job done,” says Keller. “They knew what we wanted to accomplish, were willing to listen and make things work for us. They are flexible and accommodating.”

Keller estimates that he has done more than 100 deals with The Entrust Group over the years, and has seen his retirement portfolio grow exponentially.

“It’s so important to get started on planning for retirement, and the sooner you do, the easier it is,” says Keller. “These folks know all about it, and have made a big difference for me.”

Find out how you can generate more referrals, leads and repeat business with your free download of How to Help Your Clients Invest in Real Estate Tax-Free.

For more information, please visit www.theentrustgroup.com.

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In real estate, execution is everything. Having closed numerous transactions, I know firsthand that the right capital partner can make or break a deal. Working with Houtan and the CRESTICO team on our latest LA property reinforced what top-tier lending execution looks like. From initial loan structuring to the final wire at closing, Houtan and his team ran a seamless operation. They managed the complexity behind the scenes, maintained complete transparency, and kept the timeline tight without missing a beat. Buying property in Los Angeles can easily turn into a high-friction process, but their team provided the exact clarity, speed, and diligence required to navigate it smoothly. On a personal level, having known Houtan for years as a friend made the experience even more rewarding. It’s rare to find a team that seamlessly combines deep industry expertise with genuine personal integrity. They treated this transaction with the same care and focus as if it were their own. Whether you’re securing debt for your next investment(s) or purchasing a primary residence, I can’t recommend Houtan and the CRESTICO team highly enough. They are sharp, reliable, and exceptionally dedicated. I look forward to working with them again on future transactions.
Marisol was extremely helpful and successful in resolving the problems associated with my loan. We are very happy with our new loan.
They were always available to answer my questions and made the entire process simple and straightforward. I got a great rate and the support I needed to close on time. I wouldn't hesitate to use them again or recommend them to family and friends!
I couldn't have had a more amazing experience with our realtor - Diane Phillips. Diane is extremely knowledgeable and personable. She got to know me and my...
Houtan and Marisol are a great team. They helped my dad with his refinance and made the process seamless. They answered every question we had and came up with solutions if we ran into any issues. Thanks again!
I had an amazing experience.I received all the information, support and they were very Knowledgeable of the information that I needed.
Excellent Mortgage Broker – Highly Recommended! I had an amazing experience working with Houtan and his team at Crestico. From start to finish, not only Houtan himself but his entire team made the mortgage process smooth, stress-free, and efficient. Their knowledge and expertise were evident at every step, ensuring I got the best possible loan terms. Communication was outstanding; Houtan was always available to answer my questions, explain complex details in a way that made sense, and guide me through the entire process with confidence. They were proactive, transparent, and truly had my best interests in mind. If you’re looking for a mortgage broker who is professional, reliable, and dedicated to helping you secure the best financing, I highly recommend Houtan and his team. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience!
Houtan is a top notch professional. He helped me with my pre-approval and walked me through every step of the loan process. He was extremely responsive, personable, and knowledgeable. He is incredibly reliable and would answer calls or emails within minutes when I had questions. I can't recommend Houtan enough for buying a house. We had been working directly with a large bank on a loan, and all seemed fine until we had an accepted offer, then we started having issue after issue where there was just no sense of urgency. We almost had to walk away from our house, but Houtan and his team were referred to us in mid escrow, helped us explore multiple options in parallel, and close on time. Houtan was very responsive and on top of everything, presented our options very clearly, patient with all our questions, and really understands the Los Angeles housing market.
Houtan is a top notch professional. He helped me with my pre-approval and walked me through every step of the loan process. He was extremely responsive,...
Houtan is a top notch professional. He helped me with my pre-approval and walked me through every step of the loan process. He was extremely responsive,...
As a first time home buyer, taking out a jumbo loan could’ve been quite scary. But Houtan and his team made it a pleasant experience. An amazing team who are always one step ahead of the process.
Easy to work with ! Professional people and honest!
Worked with Houtan. He got our loan closed super fast and got us a rate that was lower than what our bank offered us. I'm very happy with Crestico and i recommend them to anyone.
Finally a real professional with a heart! Working with Houton makes me feel like having a friend who is on my side, rather than a businessman who is always looking out for #1. He is extremely helpful, knowledgeable, and responsive. He was always happy to explain and strategize with me whenever I needed help. Unlike most realtors and lenders out there who don't want to use their brains and only do easy and mindless paperwork, Houtan has great analytical and investment insights to share with his clients. I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone who values the rare combo of both thoughtfulness and top-notch expertise.
Thank you Houtan and the entire team for going above and beyond every single time. From the onset, you guys gather whatever is necessary to get the job done as quickly and efficiently as possible, always keeping constant communication. My rate and fees are disclosed and never change at the time of signing.
These guys were a godsend when searching for a home loan. I was first time home buyer and they helped out with the entire process. Everything from the customer service to making sure I was informed for every step of the process was handled exceptionally. I am absolutely ebullient with Houtan and his entire team have given me, and helping me transcend into the status of homeowner.
I have been working with Houtan for over 10 years. He and his office have always been great to work with. Excellent communication and great work ethic. I will definitely be back for my other mortgage needs in the near future.
Thank you Houtan and team for helping me secure my home loan! Great communication, customer service and rate! Look no further, call Crestico for all of your home loan needs.
I want to express my gratitude to Houtan and his team. Houtan is extremely knowledgeable and really takes the time to answer any questions that you have. He wants the best for his clients and I would recommend him to anyone.
I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for Houtan Hormozian and the exceptional service he provided in helping me secure a loan. From our very first conversation, he was attentive, understanding, and incredibly knowledgeable about the lending process. He took the time to explain all the details, answered all my questions patiently, and worked tirelessly to find the best options tailored to my needs. His professionalism and dedication made what could have been a stressful experience into one that was smooth and straightforward. Thanks to Houtan Hormozian, I was able to secure the financing I needed, and I couldn't be happier with the outcome. I highly recommend him to anyone in need of lending services. His commitment to his clients is truly commendable!
Houtan and his team are the best. They made the whole process of buying the house so easy for me. Houtan is very professional,knowledgeable , trustworthy and caring. He wants the best for his costumers. I highly recommend him to everyone.
We did a lot of research before settling on Houtan - and he has been a great find. He has helped us with our home purchase, and several refinances since then. As we look into purchasing rental properties, he is always available to answer questions and explain things in terms that non-brokers can understand. He is, and will always be a part of our investment team.
Houtan and His team are great. He got me a great rate and funded my loan before my escrow closing date. A ++

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In real estate, execution is everything. Having closed numerous transactions, I know firsthand that the right capital partner can make or break a deal. Working with Houtan and the CRESTICO team on our latest LA property reinforced what top-tier lending execution looks like. From initial loan structuring to the final wire at closing, Houtan and his team ran a seamless operation. They managed the complexity behind the scenes, maintained complete transparency, and kept the timeline tight without missing a beat. Buying property in Los Angeles can easily turn into a high-friction process, but their team provided the exact clarity, speed, and diligence required to navigate it smoothly. On a personal level, having known Houtan for years as a friend made the experience even more rewarding. It’s rare to find a team that seamlessly combines deep industry expertise with genuine personal integrity. They treated this transaction with the same care and focus as if it were their own. Whether you’re securing debt for your next investment(s) or purchasing a primary residence, I can’t recommend Houtan and the CRESTICO team highly enough. They are sharp, reliable, and exceptionally dedicated. I look forward to working with them again on future transactions.
Marisol was extremely helpful and successful in resolving the problems associated with my loan. We are very happy with our new loan.
They were always available to answer my questions and made the entire process simple and straightforward. I got a great rate and the support I needed to close on time. I wouldn't hesitate to use them again or recommend them to family and friends!
I couldn't have had a more amazing experience with our realtor - Diane Phillips. Diane is extremely knowledgeable and personable. She got to know me and my...
Houtan and Marisol are a great team. They helped my dad with his refinance and made the process seamless. They answered every question we had and came up with solutions if we ran into any issues. Thanks again!
I had an amazing experience.I received all the information, support and they were very Knowledgeable of the information that I needed.
Excellent Mortgage Broker – Highly Recommended! I had an amazing experience working with Houtan and his team at Crestico. From start to finish, not only Houtan himself but his entire team made the mortgage process smooth, stress-free, and efficient. Their knowledge and expertise were evident at every step, ensuring I got the best possible loan terms. Communication was outstanding; Houtan was always available to answer my questions, explain complex details in a way that made sense, and guide me through the entire process with confidence. They were proactive, transparent, and truly had my best interests in mind. If you’re looking for a mortgage broker who is professional, reliable, and dedicated to helping you secure the best financing, I highly recommend Houtan and his team. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience!
Houtan is a top notch professional. He helped me with my pre-approval and walked me through every step of the loan process. He was extremely responsive, personable, and knowledgeable. He is incredibly reliable and would answer calls or emails within minutes when I had questions. I can't recommend Houtan enough for buying a house. We had been working directly with a large bank on a loan, and all seemed fine until we had an accepted offer, then we started having issue after issue where there was just no sense of urgency. We almost had to walk away from our house, but Houtan and his team were referred to us in mid escrow, helped us explore multiple options in parallel, and close on time. Houtan was very responsive and on top of everything, presented our options very clearly, patient with all our questions, and really understands the Los Angeles housing market.
Houtan is a top notch professional. He helped me with my pre-approval and walked me through every step of the loan process. He was extremely responsive,...
Houtan is a top notch professional. He helped me with my pre-approval and walked me through every step of the loan process. He was extremely responsive,...
As a first time home buyer, taking out a jumbo loan could’ve been quite scary. But Houtan and his team made it a pleasant experience. An amazing team who are always one step ahead of the process.
Easy to work with ! Professional people and honest!
Worked with Houtan. He got our loan closed super fast and got us a rate that was lower than what our bank offered us. I'm very happy with Crestico and i recommend them to anyone.
Finally a real professional with a heart! Working with Houton makes me feel like having a friend who is on my side, rather than a businessman who is always looking out for #1. He is extremely helpful, knowledgeable, and responsive. He was always happy to explain and strategize with me whenever I needed help. Unlike most realtors and lenders out there who don't want to use their brains and only do easy and mindless paperwork, Houtan has great analytical and investment insights to share with his clients. I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone who values the rare combo of both thoughtfulness and top-notch expertise.
Thank you Houtan and the entire team for going above and beyond every single time. From the onset, you guys gather whatever is necessary to get the job done as quickly and efficiently as possible, always keeping constant communication. My rate and fees are disclosed and never change at the time of signing.
These guys were a godsend when searching for a home loan. I was first time home buyer and they helped out with the entire process. Everything from the customer service to making sure I was informed for every step of the process was handled exceptionally. I am absolutely ebullient with Houtan and his entire team have given me, and helping me transcend into the status of homeowner.
I have been working with Houtan for over 10 years. He and his office have always been great to work with. Excellent communication and great work ethic. I will definitely be back for my other mortgage needs in the near future.
Thank you Houtan and team for helping me secure my home loan! Great communication, customer service and rate! Look no further, call Crestico for all of your home loan needs.
I want to express my gratitude to Houtan and his team. Houtan is extremely knowledgeable and really takes the time to answer any questions that you have. He wants the best for his clients and I would recommend him to anyone.
I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for Houtan Hormozian and the exceptional service he provided in helping me secure a loan. From our very first conversation, he was attentive, understanding, and incredibly knowledgeable about the lending process. He took the time to explain all the details, answered all my questions patiently, and worked tirelessly to find the best options tailored to my needs. His professionalism and dedication made what could have been a stressful experience into one that was smooth and straightforward. Thanks to Houtan Hormozian, I was able to secure the financing I needed, and I couldn't be happier with the outcome. I highly recommend him to anyone in need of lending services. His commitment to his clients is truly commendable!
Houtan and his team are the best. They made the whole process of buying the house so easy for me. Houtan is very professional,knowledgeable , trustworthy and caring. He wants the best for his costumers. I highly recommend him to everyone.
We did a lot of research before settling on Houtan - and he has been a great find. He has helped us with our home purchase, and several refinances since then. As we look into purchasing rental properties, he is always available to answer questions and explain things in terms that non-brokers can understand. He is, and will always be a part of our investment team.
Houtan and His team are great. He got me a great rate and funded my loan before my escrow closing date. A ++
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