The lack of any inflation has allowed the Fed to keep these interest rates low for an extended period of time. 

TLDR buy rentals.Here's my uneducated opinion (ramble)...The tax bill will permanently shift the country into high gear for a generation or more assuming Congress agrees to extend the rates when the time comes. 

To be fair, I've heard hundreds of them, you're not singled out for punishment.I also commend you for your willingness to cut your losses and not extend the pain.Yes, you should be able to deduct your entire loss, no matter how your main income is earned.

@Jonathan Perez You need to figure out if it is in your best interests to let the tenant go month to month, potentially for an extended period if her job does not work out, or whether a fresh start is needed.

You need a new attorney, unless you signed an addendum specifically extending the closing date.

Extend that option period all the way until the day of closing if they let you to give yourself all the time you want to back out.2. 

The second instance is used when the loan value is above the $144,000 (which is most likely the case) and the guarantee extends to the maximum county loan limit in that area.

Once they do get a job, you can just extend the lease to a year or two year, or whatever duration you want. 3 months is good enough to find a job if you have desire to find it.  

We did have to extend the original contract by 11 days, which in the big picture, wasn’t a big deal to the agent or seller.

Unless you have a way of investing those funds and the returns would justify the cost of setting up and maintaining the self-directed IRA.Yes, you could partner with someone else on the investment, but remember that as 'Disqualified Person' are you not allowed to enter into any transaction with your IRA or receive any benefits from it or provide any services, extending credit to or selling/exhaling property.