Best Real Estate IRA Custodians (2026)
You've spent decades building your 401k or IRA. Now you're thinking about real estate—something you can see, touch, and understand. But your current broker won't let you buy property with retirement funds. You need a self-directed IRA custodian. Here's a no-BS comparison of your best options.
Quick Comparison
| Custodian | Rating | Setup Fee | Monthly Fee | Checkbook Control | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rocket DollarTop Pick | 4.7 | $0 | $15 (Silver) / $30 (Gold) | Active real estate investors who want speed and control | |
Equity Trust | 4.5 | Varies | Based on assets | — | Investors wanting full-service support and hand-holding |
Entrust Group | 4.4 | $50 | Based on assets | — | Investors focused primarily on real estate |
Directed IRA | 4.3 | $395 | $295/year + asset fees | Investors wanting checkbook control with established company |
Detailed Custodian Reviews
Rocket Dollar
Modern SDIRA platform with checkbook control for fast real estate transactions
Pros
- Checkbook control for quick closings
- Low monthly fees
- Modern online platform
- No transaction fees
Cons
- •Less hand-holding than traditional custodians
- •Newer company (founded 2018)
Equity Trust
Largest SDIRA custodian with 50+ years of experience and full-service support
Pros
- 50+ years experience
- Largest SDIRA custodian
- Extensive educational resources
- Strong customer service
Cons
- •Higher fees than some competitors
- •Slower transaction processing
- •No checkbook control
Entrust Group
Real estate-focused custodian since 1982 with deep property investment expertise
Pros
- 40+ years in business
- Strong real estate expertise
- Good educational content
- Multiple office locations
Cons
- •Asset-based pricing can get expensive
- •No checkbook control option
Directed IRA
Part of Horizon Trust, offering both custodial and checkbook IRA options
Pros
- Checkbook IRA option
- Established company
- Personalized service
Cons
- •Higher setup fees
- •Annual fees add up
What to Look for in a Custodian (Before You Trust Them with Your Life Savings)
Fee Structure
Understand all fees: setup, annual, transaction, and asset-based fees. They add up over time.
Transaction Speed
Real estate deals move fast. How quickly can the custodian process purchases and fund transactions?
Checkbook Control
With checkbook control, you can write checks directly without waiting for custodian approval.
Customer Support
Will you have a dedicated rep? How responsive are they? Check reviews for support quality.
Experience
How long have they been in business? Do they specialize in real estate or offer it as an afterthought?
Property Types
Ensure they allow the specific type of real estate you want to invest in (rentals, land, notes, etc.).
Ready to Use Your IRA for Real Estate?
You've built your nest egg through years of hard work. A self-directed IRA lets you invest in something real—property that generates rental income and grows in value. No more watching Wall Street play games with your money.