Guidant Financial Group (www.guidantfinancial.com) provides self-directed IRA services, allowing IRA owners to make non-traditional investments. Guidant recently revealed where self-directed IRA money is going:
* Real estate. The most popular real estate investment is residential rental property, followed by raw land and foreign real estate. As real estate values fall, such investments are increasingly attractive.
* Private placements. Many successful companies are not publicly traded. Aggressive investors may want to use their retirement funds to make equity investments in privately held companies.
* Loans and notes. The most popular asset here has been the bridge loan. In essence, money is lent to borrowers looking for short-term capital to secure new long-term financing.
* Tax liens and deeds. Liens and deeds may be bought for as little as a few hundred dollars and are often secured by real estate. Investors stand to receive the delinquent tax or, in case of a default, the property itself.
Besides Guidant, you can do an Internet search for "self-directed IRA custodian" to find other companies. Keep in mind that the investments listed above are most suited for individuals who are experienced in these areas.