Maximize Real Estate Profits with Self-Directed IRAs: John Bowens
Maximize Real Estate Profits with Self-Directed IRAs: John Bowens, Equity Trust | Ep. 28
The Real Estate Excellence Podcast is Northeast Florida’s go-to source for uncovering top-tier professionals and strategies that drive wealth through real estate. In Episode 28, I sit down with John Bowens, a national educator with Equity Trust Company, to explore one of the most misunderstood—but powerful—wealth-building tools available to real estate investors: the self-directed IRA.
This article uses insights from the full episode transcript at tracyhayespodcast.com/28.
John Bowens: Educator, Investor, Authority
John Bowens isn’t just teaching the self-directed IRA game—he’s lived it. With over 15 years of hands-on investing experience and more than 400 workshops delivered across the U.S., John has helped over 60,000 investors tap into tax-advantaged strategies that put real estate profits on a new level.
Educated at Ohio University and mentored directly by Equity Trust’s founder, John is now the company's Director of Education. He pairs technical knowledge with real-world execution, making him one of the leading voices in IRA-based investing today.
“What I teach and what I practice is compounding interest in the absence of taxation. That’s how we build tax-free and tax-deferred wealth.”
Why His Insights Matter
What sets John apart is more than just tenure. It’s his ability to break down complex IRS regulations and show agents, investors, and business owners how to turn commission income or retirement rollovers into tax-free real estate empires.
“Your IRA isn’t a lifeboat—it’s a speed boat. When you know how to use it, it gets you to your retirement goals faster.”
Northeast Florida Investors: Pay Attention
Whether you're flipping homes in Jacksonville, buying long-term rentals in St. Augustine, or building a portfolio in Ponte Vedra, the opportunities are real—and the tax advantages are game-changing. John explains how real estate pros can roll over old 401(k)s or open a Roth Solo 401(k) to invest in properties they understand.
From non-recourse loans to joint ventures, John outlines ways to:
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Buy real estate with as little as $24,000
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Avoid capital gains tax
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Partner with spouses or other investors creatively
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Legally sidestep probate for legacy planning
“Agents don’t realize they can use their commission income—up to $60,000+ per year—inside a Roth Solo 401(k). That’s massive.”
Real Investor Stories That Prove It Works
1. The Roth JV Power Play:
A joint venture between two investors—Scott and Kate—turned $224K into a $60K profit. Scott’s $24K Roth IRA earned 70% of the deal. Kate, who had $200K sitting idle, earned 9% in six months.
2. The House Flipper’s IRA:
A veteran flipper in Northeast Florida funds his flips 100% through his self-directed IRA—cutting checks to contractors, holding property in his IRA, and selling for tax-free gains.
3. Real Estate Agent Strategy:
Tracy’s wife, a successful 1099 Realtor, uses her Roth Solo 401(k) to shelter income and build a retirement rental portfolio—one that produces income now and avoids probate later.
Local Expertise with Global Impact
Even with a national platform, John’s message hits hard for local agents and investors in:
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Jacksonville: High-volume markets, heavy military buyers
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St. Augustine: Cash investors, STR potential, probate-savvy families
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Ponte Vedra: High-income agents who can benefit from Roth Solo 401(k) strategies
If you're earning strong commissions in St. Johns County or flipping in Nocatee, you need to understand how self-directed retirement tools can accelerate your returns.
FAQs: Self-Directed IRA Basics for NE Florida Real Estate
Can I use my IRA to buy rental property in Jacksonville?
Yes. A self-directed IRA can hold rental properties, with all income and expenses managed through the IRA.
Can agents use commission income to fund a Roth IRA?
Yes. Even better—1099 agents can open a Roth Solo 401(k) and contribute up to $60,000+ depending on income level.
Is flipping allowed inside an IRA?
Yes, as long as you avoid prohibited transactions and the property is not for personal use.
What’s a non-recourse loan?
It’s the only loan type IRAs can use. It allows the IRA to buy property using financing—but the lender’s only recourse is the property itself.
Ready to Invest Smarter?
If you're a real estate agent, flipper, or investor in Northeast Florida and haven’t explored self-directed IRAs, you’re leaving money—and legacy—on the table.
Get started:
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Visit IRAevents.com to register for a free mastery class.
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Watch John Bowens’ videos at Equity Trust’s YouTube Channel.
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Contact Equity Trust directly at trustetc.com/rps/?id=062
Connect with John Bowens
🔗 LinkedIn – John Bowens
📘 Equity Trust Website
🎧 Full Episode: tracyhayespodcast.com/28
🎥 YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@RealEstateExcellence
🌐 Internal Links:
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