I Wrote the Book on Self-Directed IRAs — The 3rd Edition Just Dropped

Mat Sorensen
Mat SorensenApr 22, 2026

Why It Matters

The updated handbook lowers barriers for retirees to invest in real estate, reshaping retirement portfolio strategies and influencing industry compliance standards.

Key Takeaways

  • Self-directed IRAs can legally purchase real estate with proper guidance.
  • New edition updates tax code, IRS guidance, and recent court cases.
  • Includes real‑world case studies illustrating full transaction processes.
  • Book sold 50,000 copies, used by regulators and industry bodies.
  • Priced $20 on Amazon, aims to empower retirees to self‑direct.

Summary

The video announces the launch of the third edition of a self‑directed IRA handbook, a guide that teaches investors how to use retirement accounts to acquire real‑estate assets. The author recounts a 2006 client query that sparked a six‑year research effort, culminating in the first edition in 2013 and a second in 2017, both of which sold over 50,000 copies and earned adoption by regulators and industry associations.

The new release incorporates the latest tax‑code revisions, recent IRS guidance, and fresh tax‑court rulings. It also adds detailed case studies that walk readers through complete transactions, from account setup to property acquisition, illustrating practical pitfalls and compliance steps. The author highlights that the book now ranks #1 among new releases in both real‑estate and retirement‑planning categories on Amazon, landing in the top ten overall.

Key quotes include the author’s reflection that “no one had documented how to do this” back in 2006 and the claim that the handbook is “the number one new release in real estate” on Amazon. The mention of government regulators purchasing the book underscores its credibility within the niche financial‑services sector.

For investors, the updated guide promises a low‑cost ($20) roadmap to self‑directed retirement investing, potentially expanding access to alternative assets and reducing reliance on traditional custodians. Industry players may see heightened standards as the handbook becomes a de‑facto reference for compliance and best practices.

Original Description

The Self-Directed IRA Handbook, 3rd Edition is now available exclusively on Amazon for just $20.
In 2006, a client asked me a simple question: "Can my IRA buy real estate?" After searching every legal database, tax publication, and book on the subject, I found that no one had documented the real answers — the tax code, IRS guidance, court cases, and step-by-step process you actually need.
So I spent 6 years researching it and published the first edition in 2013.The first two editions sold over 50,000 copies and have been used by government regulators, industry competitors, and the National Association in the self-directed IRA space for industry credentialing.
The 3rd Edition includes updated tax code, the latest IRS guidance, new tax court cases, and additional real-world case studies covering complete self-directed IRA transactions — including deals from my own retirement account.
Already the #1 new release in both Real Estate and Retirement Planning on Amazon, and a top 10 bestseller in both categories.
If you own the 1st or 2nd edition, drop a comment below — it helps others discover the most comprehensive resource on self-directed IRAs available today.

Comments

Want to join the conversation?

Loading comments...