Looking for a self-directed IRA/HSA custodian

[Justin Sumulong]

I'm looking for a recommendation of a self-directed IRA and/or HSA custodian to roll over 401k funds from a previous employer. I've talked to Equity Trust, Quest IRA & Midland IRA and am also looking into TDAmeritrade & Fidelity as options. My problem with Equity Trust & Quest IRA is when I Google'd them for reviews, they were horrible and I think that has turned me off from them. Midland might be the front runner at this point. Does anyone have other recommendations and/or any experience with any of these companies for setting up SDIRAs or SDHSAs? I'm looking to be a private money lender with the funds I move into these accounts.

[Dmitriy Fomichenko]

Justin, 

You can rollover your 401k into self-directed IRA, but not into HSA, which is Health Savings Account and not a retirement plan.

There are several reputable providers here on BiggerPockets who are active on the forum, just search the forum for related keywords and you will find out who they are. You are correct, reviews from their clients are very important, by reading those you can get a feel of what to expect if you were to become a client. Contact 2 or 3 to interview them personally then make your choice.

TD Ameritrade and Fidelity do not offer truly "self-directed" IRA, they might offer some control, but only within confines of their allowed investments, which is confined to the stock market and does not include alternative investments such as private lending.

For private lending, especially short term, you may find that you'll be better off with the "checkbook control". For that consider Checkbook IRA or if you are self-employed truly self-directed Solo 401k.