Self-directed IRA real estate investments can really be a wise approach to diversify your retirement portfolio. Create a self-directed IRA with a competent custodian who accepts real estate investments in order to get going. The next step is to choose an appropriate investment property and do due research, taking into account aspects like location, potential for rental income, and market trends. Once you've decided on a property, tell your IRA custodian to use IRA funds to buy it for you. Depending on the sort of IRA you have, any income derived from the property, such as rental income or capital gains upon sale, will either be tax-deferred or tax-free. Be sure to consult with a financial advisor and tax professional before embarking on any real estate investment with your self-directed IRA.