Newbie needs a Self-directed IRA

[Bettye Chambers]

Hello!

I'm a 51yr old newbie from Baltimore.  Getting into RE Investing at my age is somewhat daunting, but I'm so excited to begin this new chapter. I'm also pursuing a RE sales license.  Sorry I don't have a profile pic yet, but as soon as I figure out how to upload one, I will.  There's so much info on this site that I found it a little overwhelming at first but have come to realize that the more info, the better.

My investing interests are rehabbing and flipping.

To start, I'm in search of two things:

1.) How do I locate the real estate investment clubs in my area?  Any recommendations would be helpful. 

2.) I have a 401(k) that I want to rollover into a self-directed IRA for RE investing. I saw a banner ad on BP for the Equity Trust Company. Anyone has an account with them? Can I get some feedback on that company or any other recommendation of where I can open up such an account?

I'm looking forward to your responses and forging new friendships here on BP!!

Bettye