Some states don't care if you keep it in a shoe box under your bed.

The median price of those condos, however, rose 18.2 percent to $501,000 in September, from $423,750 during the same month last year."

I seriously contemplated burning my shoes after looking at it. 

On a shoe-string budget, the primary solution we have seen in South Florida is working the MLS diligently.  

@Rose WaltersGood choice rose!

While it is true, we don't have a consumer debt bubble like we did in 2007, although there's a strong argument for auto/student loan debt being the next consumer shoe to drop. 

If I personally was in your shoes(not that I know your life) I would push that IRA money into a great deal that could make you 10 times the money than that money in a bank account could. 

then sit there and wonder..and being the state AG they never write you and say hey no problem your fine.. you simply are left to twist in the wind wondering when the next shoe is going to drop.. we never did hear back..

@Andrew WaltnerIf I were in your shoes I would househack a 4plex with an FHA loan. 

I'm not going to write a super  long answer, I hope,  but I will answer coz I was once in your shoes.