by WestSideBilly » Tue Apr 01, 2008 8:18 am
In the example I used (which worked good because there were identical units available to buy and rent at the same time), I was strictly comparing the financial aspects for a home buyer/renter. As an investor looking for a rental, there is no point - it's a horrible use of capital.
RCC, using pre-2001 norms, you would generally come out ahead after 5-7 years. And have the benefit of being free to use the property as you chose, which has a different value to different people (much more for smokers or pet owners, much less for people who like off-white walls and carpet). Buying today, I think that number might be more like 10-15 years.