rolling over a 401(k) from ex employer into an IRA...

[Pobeka]

4. As just stated above, do a direct institution to institution transfer if at all possible.

1) You probably don't want check of that size floating around the mail system.
2) If you get a check, you can only do this type of transaction once a year
3) Institution to institutions can be done as many times a year as you want.
4) Institutions do this all the time -- and you have do it as a wire transfer (I think), which will be free. I may have that backwards.

Whichever you choose, they will help you do the transfer.
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I use Vanguard, it's be extremely easy to work with them. They have a money managed side of their business now too, which I don't use so I can't comment on it. Their online system is easy to navigate.

If you are going to let someone else manage your money, you'll need to do some research. Check their fees very carefully. Some may want high fees (1.75% or more), 1.5% or less is a competitive fee for money management. It'll take some research if they do a good job with money management.