Feeling a bit lost with my first Gold IRA - need some seasoned advice

• •I’m talking about some serious weight in my personal safe.
• •But with all the economic uncertainty, especially since early 2020, I’m finally biting the bullet and looking into a Gold IRA for the first time.
• •I’ve always been a bit old-school about my retirement accounts, mostly just index funds and bonds through traditional brokers.

Okay, so I’ve been sitting on a pretty substantial chunk of change for a while now, mostly from my ExxonMobil pension and some diversified investments over the years. My portfolio is probably in the lower end of the 7-figure range, and honestly, a good portion of it is already in physical gold I’ve held for decades. I’m talking about some serious weight in my personal safe. But with all the economic uncertainty, especially since early 2020, I’m finally biting the bullet and looking into a Gold IRA for the first time. I’ve always been a bit old-school about my retirement accounts, mostly just index funds and bonds through traditional brokers.

I just turned 68 here in Houston, and while I’m not exactly a spring chicken, I’m planning on being around for a while. The appeals of a Gold IRA for tax advantages and further diversification are really starting to sink in. I’ve been doing some research online, and frankly, it's a bit overwhelming. There are so many companies out there, all claiming to be the best, offer the lowest fees, or have the most secure storage. I’m wary of getting pushed into something that's not actually in my best interest. What are the key red flags I should be looking out for when speaking with these companies? Are there any specific questions I should absolutely be asking that they might try to dance around?

My main concern right now is finding a reputable custodian and understanding the whole process of transferring funds. I’ve got TSPs and 401ks that I'm looking to roll over. For those of you who have done this before, what was your experience with the rollover process? Was it straightforward, or did you hit any snags? Also, any recommendations for companies you've had genuinely positive experiences with, especially those that cater to larger accounts, would be incredibly helpful. I’m thinking around $250k initial investment into the IRA, possibly more down the line as I liquidate other assets.

I’ve heard horror stories about massive hidden fees, overly aggressive sales tactics, and even scummy buyback prices. I’m a pretty solid negotiator, but I also don’t want to waste my time. What are your thoughts on premium markups for common bullion items like American Gold Eagles versus something a bit more obscure? And what about storage? Is segregated storage really worth the extra cost for larger holdings, or is commingled generally fine? Appreciate any wisdom you guys can share – feeling a little green on this particular frontier!