First-time Gold IRA buyer – looking for advice on getting started

• •I've been kicking around the idea of getting into a Gold IRA for a while now, and I think I'm finally ready to pull the trigger.
• •My concern is obviously making sure I do this right the first time.
• •I'm not looking to dump everything into gold, but I want a solid percentage allocated to protect against some of the economic headwinds I'm seeing.

I've been kicking around the idea of getting into a Gold IRA for a while now, and I think I'm finally ready to pull the trigger. My portfolio is sitting in the mid-high 300s right now, mostly in real estate through my construction business here in Chicago, and some traditional stocks. I'm a big believer in tangible assets, something you can actually touch and hold, which is why gold has always appealed to me more than just paper investments.

My concern is obviously making sure I do this right the first time. I'm not looking to dump everything into gold, but I want a solid percentage allocated to protect against some of the economic headwinds I'm seeing. My current CPA is great with the business stuff but honestly, a little out of his depth when it comes to precious metals and IRAs. I've done a fair bit of research online, but it's a jungle out there with so many companies vying for your attention. Some of them feel a bit too salesy for my liking, pushing extreme fear tactics, and I'd rather hear from real people who have actually gone through the process.

So, for those of you who have set up a Gold IRA, what were the biggest lessons learned? What should I absolutely look out for, good or bad? Any particular custodians or dealers you'd recommend (or tell me to avoid like the plague)? I'm particularly interested in things like fees – are there any hidden charges I should be aware of beyond the standard setup and storage? And for someone like me, who appreciates a brick-and-mortar component, is there any advantage to choosing a local Chicago dealer, or does it really not matter when it comes to the IRA structure?

Any insights, war stories, or practical advice would be massively appreciated. Thanks in advance!