That is interesting about owning the apartment complex with your IRA. I always thought someone could purchase something like that with one I just have never personally heard of anyone doing it.
I personally do not have a Traditional IRA simply because I don't make enough to start another account. Any extra that I do feel like playing with I have a Scotttrade account for because of the low commission per trade. I used that account to pay for my LS swap last year which was pretty awesome! Caught a double with Apple and made some good gains with a couple other stocks. I didn't like the way the market was looking in Feb/March of 2011 so I sold it all off took my profits and finally had some fun with the money. Investing doesn't just have to be for retirement...
I should note that my Roth is with Etrade not Scottrade. Scottrade does not offer a DRIP (dividend reinvestment) so make sure where ever you set up your account that they have that option.