What is the highest profit potential bet I could make with the least amount of risk, assuming I believe we are headed for a massive double digit drop by the middle of the next year? For example, I am willing to stake $5,000 on it, either this is the mother of all bull markets and I lose everything, or my wager wins and it prints.
LEAPS on SQQQ was my initial notion, but I am sure we can do better.
You are not smart enough to know what to invest in, but you are smart enough to predict when and how much the market will crash. I understand. 
If you genuinely believe that a breakdown is imminent, hold onto your entire investment and earn interest until the collapse occurs.
Just so you know, I do not anticipate a meltdown.
On a significant market shift, however, you are not compensated.
and must bide their time for the market to recover, which may take an extended period.
Moreover, interest rates will drop this year and the following.
I never said it was a smart move. “If you think we are in a for a meltdown” was my sole warning to sit on cash. 
You also don’t run the risk of losing 40% of your investment in an options play
Yes, that is right.
@Christopher asked how to make the most of a risky opportunity with $5,000 that he would be happy to burn.
Go get cash and wait, was the reply. When he wants a 100% risky option with the best pay day, that is not the best return.