[abduhl]

>> [Roth IRA stuff]

Debating the availability of a Roth backdoor is something that's orthogonal to the discussion. I agree that your $46k number is the correct number, so adjust the numbers in my prior post as appropriate (e.g., it'll take 5 years to get to $200k in a retirement account). I still assert my primary conclusion: buying property is generally not the best option on a purely financial basis.

>> [Options stuff]

I disagree with your view that LEAPS are the "most share-like" options. Short dated deep in the money calls are essentially a synthetic stock position, and they are the most share-like in that they will move nearly 1:1 with stock price whereas LEAPS do not move 1:1 with stock price fluctuations because of time attenuation. If leverage is what you want then there are probably better options than LEAPS (rolling 3 month to 6 month positions maybe) because you pay out the nose in terms of time value on LEAPS.

[FooBarBizBazz]

Interesting points about those calls: "Go shorter but deeper in the money, and roll more often". Would be a pain to do by hand, unless you enjoy it as a hobby. Makes me think about moving to Interactive Brokers so I can play with the API. Probably won't happen, but who knows; I might get bored one month.