Self Directed IRA - checkbook control or not?

[David Chance]

Looking to see what type of SDIrA others who invest in notes are using -->  checkbook or custodian.  I don't like all of the custodian fees, but I think it is safer (with regards to the IRS) than the checkbook.

I'm looking to open a SDIRA or an SDIRA LLC with checkbook and putting in $20k (for starters) for the purposes of investing in notes and I'm trying to decide which way to go.

Thanks in advance for any insight.