The stock market never shows that there a negate times and it is looked at very well because of it's complication of the Stock Market and contributions are higher versus Real Estate which only might have more to learn but is easier to learn the basics. 

Contact 2 or 3 to interview them personally then make your choice.TD Ameritrade and Fidelity do not offer truly "self-directed" IRA, they might offer some control, but only within confines of their allowed investments, which is confined to the stock market and does not include alternative investments such as private lending. 

I think of it a lot like retirement funds - start aggressively with value/growth stocks and ETFs when you're young and have time to play with, move into highly rated bonds and low-fee dividend funds as you get closer to retirement.

Assuming IRA is invested in stocks, the remaining $ in IRA will grow 10-15% for a few years (as long as economy is good). if you are making 45k in NJ, it means you are underemployed.

It's easier to buy stocks than buy a house, but Charlie Munger (Warren Buffett's business partner) has sometimes gone for years without buying anything and just sitting on the cash. 

Now a quick disclaimer I am not in no way shape or form affiliated with roof stock nor am I paid to promote them or anything like that so invest at your own risk!

For example, if you own any stocks that have lost value you can do loss harvesting. 

@Shane Gaboury I don't know what kind of building stock is in your area, but in my opinion, multifamily investing will normally beat condos all day long.

A rule of thumb is not to stick money you think you’ll need soon In the stock market.

I have invested my money stock for the last 5 years but I am looking to start the journey into real estate.