In this episode of The Smart Real Estate Coach Podcast, I sit down with Joe Fulvio of CAMA Plan, a leading firm in self-directed retirement accounts. Joe brings decades of experience in strategic marketing and distribution across multiple industries and now helps investors use self-directed IRAs and 401(k)s to unlock new opportunities.
We break down what "true self-direction" really means, how real estate behaves differently inside versus outside an IRA, and the mistakes investors need to avoid to stay compliant. Joe also shares real-world examples of unusual assets you can hold in a retirement account—from dump trucks to coffee plantations—and why due diligence is everything when you step outside traditional stocks and bonds.
If you're curious about using retirement funds to build long-term wealth, this conversation will open your eyes to strategies you can start using right now.
Key Talking Points of the Episode
00:00 Introduction
01:25 Meet Joe Fulvio: CAMA Plan's liaison for private equity, lending, and venture capital
02:45 What "true" self-directed investing is and why brokerages aren't offering it
04:08 Comparing real estate inside vs. outside an IRA
05:21 The rules around self-dealing and why you can't move your own properties into an IRA
06:12 Exotic assets: crypto, fine art through LLCs, coffee plantations, and international property
07:05 Using a checkbook LLC for flexibility in auctions and fast-moving deals
10:31 Common mistakes: lack of due diligence, mixing personal and IRA funds, and self-dealing
13:10 How CAMA Plan differs from competitors: 20 years of experience, accessibility, and responsiveness
14:30 Self-directed accounts as a "utility knife": 20 creative ways to fund deals
15:30 How to reach Joe and CAMA Plan before or during the Wicked Smart live event
Quotables
"The list of things you can't invest in is about six items long. We handle everything else."
"Self-direction means you're in control. You do the work, you do the due diligence."
"You can control a lot of real estate inside an IRA with very little out of pocket."
Links
CAMA Plan
Joe Fulvio
(215) 283-2868
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