I'm not suggesting flipping a house. Nearly everyone can scrape, clean and paint. Most can install something like laminate flooring, engineered wood, and even

I'm not suggesting flipping a house. Nearly everyone can scrape, clean and paint. Most can install something like laminate flooring, engineered wood, and even tile. Honestly it's more about effort than know-how. When it comes to electrical and plumbing, unless you have the skills and tools, hire someone. Plus it feels good to do stuff with your hands now and again. Obviously if your time is worth more money than what you'd pay a contractor, then get a contractor. This whole thing works because of building equity. Simple example is if you buy a 400k place and in 3-7 years have 150k equity through appreciation and mortgage payments, you can upgrade and with 20% down buy a 750K place. From my experience there's only been a few downturns in my lifetime that more time did not wash away. And it's not so much taxes as it is other fees with housing. I always wished I'd bought sooner or upgraded sooner than I have. But I get comfortable.