The money is great but creating something beautiful that will outlive me and benefit future generations is my definition of wealthy.

Save or get 3 1/2 % down payment + cost (you save or co-borrower contributes 100%)Parent or family-like relation is the co-borrowerLender “blends” all debt and income for qualifying All borrower must be credit worthy (if of you don’t earn income)Benefits: Parents stop paying your rent since you’ll get roommatesYou’ll become an be aspiring investor that will pay back the down payment or partner with that family member in future endeavorsIt’s a win-win situation which not only the foundation in your financial future but will strengthen the family as a whole as you’ll share more that just a familial relationship.

My aunt is handling their finances and determined with a financial adviser that selling the house outright would actually have negative consequences on my their benefits. 

Many tax deed states have right of redemption periods, which means you may be holding that property for 6 months to a few years before you can really benefit from it.

Money can be gained and lost in so many ways... so why not go for something when a person has evaluated the risks and benefits and understands how to minimize risks.

How can I benefit in a sliding market? 

Part of this is a funds-matching TSP---take advantage of that.Finally, something to file under "investing in yourself" - while you may know of the GI bill benefits, while your on active duty you get up to $4,500 in education benefits per year you can use.

Not needed, no real benefit. 

While the definition of what constitutes a disqualified person is detailed and complex ( See IRC Sec.4975(e0(2)), the IRA participant will always be considered a disqualified person with respect to investing the IRA in real estate for personal use (whether for partial or full use).The proposed transaction would specifically violate the following prohibited transaction rule. transfer to, or use by or for the benefit of, a disqualified person of the income or assets of an IRA;https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/plan-particip...

I am not very familiar with the LIHTC and believe most of the benefits of the program have already been taken advantage of.