Where to keep funds for down payment? Roth IRA? Checking?

[Robert Dabicci]

So I'm working on saving for a down payment for my first investment property. My question is where should I keep these funds. I'm still new to real estate investing and with the current market it seems it could take me some time to find my first deal. I was thinking about keeping the first 12k this year in a couple of Roth IRAs between my wife and I, then I'm not sure about the rest. Is there a disadvantage to using Roth IRA as a temporary holding place and wouldn't it be a wasted opportunity to hold in my checking account where it will not grow?

I am aware that the IRA could fluctuate a significant amount and that I can only withdraw the contributions tax free and not the earnings.

Thanks for any and all help.