Gold IRA: Self-directed vs. Traditional - What am I missing?

• •I’ve been doing a ton of research into Gold IRAs lately, specifically trying to figure out which route makes the most sense.
• •I'm a military contractor here in Jacksonville, and let's just say security is always top of mind, even with my investments.
• •My initial thought was that a self-directed IRA gives me way more control, which I absolutely value.

I’ve been doing a ton of research into Gold IRAs lately, specifically trying to figure out which route makes the most sense. I'm a military contractor here in Jacksonville, and let's just say security is always top of mind, even with my investments. I've got around $150k I'm looking to roll over, and frankly, I'm a bit torn between a self-directed IRA and sticking with a more traditional custodian.

My initial thought was that a self-directed IRA gives me way more control, which I absolutely value. The idea of being able to pick my own depository, having more direct oversight of my physical gold – that just feels more secure to me. I've heard some horror stories about traditional custodians having limited storage options or even commingling assets, and frankly, that's a nightmare scenario I want to avoid at all costs. I'm looking for my gold, not an IOU for a share of some giant pile.

But then I read about the complexities. The compliance headaches, the potential for making a mistake that could trigger a taxable event – that's the stuff that makes me pause. Between my work schedule and just generally trying to keep up with life, I don't want to inadvertently mess something up and end up owing the IRS an arm and a leg. Are these fears overblown for someone with a portfolio of my size? Or are the compliance requirements truly that burdensome?

For those of you who've gone the self-directed route, what was your experience like? Did you feel the extra control was worth the added responsibility? And for those who went with a traditional custodian, what made you decide that was the better option? Are there specific questions I should be asking custodians to ensure transparency and security? Any insights from this community would be hugely appreciated.