Self-Directed Solo 401k

[Troy DeLong]

I've been self employed for a little over 3 months now and am looking to move my Vanguard 401k funds (formerly 'employer sponsored') into a Solo 401k account so I can use that money to invest in Real Estate. Is this possible to do without a 'Self-Directed Custodian Account'? (see below)

I've received free consultations from the following:
* Safeguard Advisors - $1375 setup fee, $125/yr (starting 2nd year)
* Discount Solo 401k - $575 setup fee, $125/yr (starting 2nd year)
* IRA Financial Group - $999 setup fee, $199/yr (starting 2nd year)

Has anyone worked with any of these companies and is the service worth the money? Is using a company like one of these the only way you can access your 401k money to invest in Real Estate, or is there a way you can spend the time to learn and do all the steps/paperwork yourself?

[Daniel Dietz]

@Troy DeLong one other source you might want to check out is KKOS Lawyers and Accountants, Mark Kohler is one of the Principals there. One of their specialties is Self Directed Law. They set up our LLCs for both our 3 way made up of SDIRAs and another 3 way LLC made up of SOLO401Ks.

Mark Kohler, and his partner Mat Sorensen have some great content on Youtube in regards to both Self Directed accounts along with Entity structuring, etc.... Mat also has what I believe is the best selling book on Self Directed Investing