Storing your own is the ONLY way to eliminate contra party or third party risk. If you can't lay hands on it by yourself without anyone knowing then there is third party risk.
House on the hill is more useful. Land in the country is the best investment out there IMO. Even though we still have a ways to go before we bottom and I know going to take losses on some of my more recent purchases in the near term I still like land the best. Save up and buy it outright or short term loan (>6months term) if you do.
Extraneous cash goes into gold and silver bullion.
Interesting action in the PM markets so far this week. Silver is just getting smashed down. I would think later this week or next week might be a good time to buy for someone thinking about getting into the market.