SDIRA Custodians For Real Estate Investments

Leading Real Estate IRA Custodians

Here are some of the most established and well-known custodians that specialize in handling alternative assets like real estate.

1. Equity Trust Company

• Overview: One of the largest and most established players in the SDIRA industry. They are known for handling a high volume of real estate and private placement transactions.
• Website: www.trustetc.com
• Contact: 1-888-382-4727
• Key Features:
  • Extensive experience with all types of alternative assets.
  • Robust online platform for account management and transaction requests.
  • Offers educational resources and webinars.
  • Can handle complex transactions like checkbook control LLCs (often referred to as “IRA LLCs”).

2. STRATA Trust Company

• Overview: A major custodian known for competitive pricing and strong customer service. They cater to both investors and financial professionals.
• Website: www.stratatrust.com
• Contact: 1-866-928-9394
• Key Features:
  • Transparent, à la carte fee schedule.
  • User-friendly online platform for initiating investments and tracking activity.
  • Specializes in real estate, private equity, and precious metals.
  • Provides clear guidance on transaction types and processes.

3. Advanta IRA

• Overview: A well-respected custodian that emphasizes personal service and education. They offer a lot of hand-holding for new investors.
• Website: www.advantaira.com
• Contact: 1-800-341-8584
• Key Features:
  • Strong focus on client education through seminars, workshops, and a detailed blog.
  • Offices in several states for in-person consultations.
  • Experienced with a full range of alternative assets, including real estate notes and private loans.
  • Known for responsive customer service.

4. Millennium Trust Company

• Overview: A large financial institution that offers SDIRA custody alongside other services like rollovers and custody for financial advisors. They are a very reputable and secure option.
• Website: www.mtrustcompany.com
• Contact: 1-800-258-7878
• Key Features:
  • High security and reliability as a larger, established trust company.
  • Streamlined process for rolling over old 401(k)s and IRAs.
  • Online access and management tools.
  • Handles real estate, private company stock, and other alternative investments.

5. IRA Financial

• Overview: Unique in that they are structured both as a custodian and a facilitator of the “Checkbook Control” IRA LLC structure. They provide setup services for both the SDIRA and the LLC.
• Website: www.irafinancial.com
• Contact: 1-800-472-0646
• Key Features:
  • Specializes in setting up IRA LLC structures for maximum control and speed of investment.
  • Provides legal and tax consultation services related to SDIRAs.
  • Focus on empowering investors to act quickly on deals.
  • Offers a dedicated account manager.

Key Factors to Research When Choosing a Custodian

When you contact these companies, ask them these specific questions:

1. Fee Structure: This is critical. Ask for a complete schedule.
   • Setup Fees: One-time cost to open the account.
   • Annual Maintenance Fee: Flat fee or based on account value?
   • Transaction Fees: Cost for each investment purchase, sale, or distribution. How much to process a wire? To buy a property?
   • Asset Holding Fees: Some charge extra for holding real estate or private investments.
2. Asset Experience: Explicitly confirm their experience with the specific type of real estate investment you plan to make (e.g., rental properties, raw land, tax liens, private loans secured by real estate).
3. Process & Timeline: How do you initiate a transaction? How long does it typically take to send funds for a closing? Speed is often crucial in real estate deals.
4. Customer Service: Will you have a dedicated representative? How responsive are they to emails and calls? Test this yourself when you inquire.
5. Educational Resources: Do they offer guides, checklists, or webinars that can help you understand the rules and avoid costly mistakes?

Final Recommendation

Start your research with the first three on this list (Equity Trust, STRATA, Advanta IRA) as they are pure-play experts in self-directed custody.

Compare their fee schedules and service models directly.

Your choice of custodian is a long-term decision that will impact the efficiency and cost of every investment you make.

Taking the time to choose the right partner is the first essential step in a successful Self-Directed IRA journey.