If you were going to be flipping houses and obtaining multiple short-terms notes from an investor, they might be better served with a checkbook IRA LLC or Solo 401k if they qualify, as that will minimize the custodial involvement, paperwork and fees for a more active portfolio.There are a lot of ways to create private lending transactions that are win-win, and my example above is just one option.  

The most promising is converting my current Brokerage IRA into a Custodial type IRA to used to fund some initial purchases.  

How long in business, are they both administrator and custodian, how many alternative assets under custody, are alternative assets their sole focus, are they BBB rated AND accredited, have they ever been sanctioned by any regulatory body are all very important things to know. 

I have a job that requires constant travel but have recently gained custody of my son.

Custodians are permitted to custody assets held in an IRA under IRC Section 408.

They would not offer the investment but rather custody the paperwork in connection with the investment.

Although some custodians do open Solo 401ks, with a 401k there is no custodial requirement.

Custodians are permitted to custody assets held in an IRA under IRC Section 408.

To some extent the custodial structure has played a role in the erosion of file contents.  

We have a friend who we have an extremely high degree of trust in, in fact they may end up being named as getting custody of our children if something were to happen to both of us, serious trust here.