>> The alternative of renting does not maintain value What if renting is cheaper than buying (example SF bay area)? More importantly, what if the purchase of

>> The alternative of renting does not maintain value What if renting is cheaper than buying (example SF bay area)? More importantly, what if the purchase of house is made with the expectation of growth in value of the house and that expectation turns out to be incorrect after 30 years (as in Detroit)? Beyond a certain cost of a house, wouldn't it be advisable to plunk money in funds rather than a house (and hoping it builds equity)?