re: What should I do with my property?

Maybe do a little work, talk to a couple of people, and see what a reasonable expectation would be on a price. I doubt it's really worth anywhere near 20K if things are as bad as you and other say they are. There are lots in St Bernard parish that are listed for 5K that are just sitting there.

I don't think there's going to be any major boom anytime soon on the coast, so if you could get a good price for it now, and later on you wanted back in, there should be a time when you can get back in for about what you sold it for.

What does your dad think of all of this? You mentioned sentimental value, is he ok with you selling it? What does he think you should do? That should not be your sole determinent, but it might help focus you.