If your housing market is that messed up, then your rental market is probably even worse. Not being wasteful just because it is easier than being responsible is

If your housing market is that messed up, then your rental market is probably even worse. Not being wasteful just because it is easier than being responsible is the entire point of my original comment. Spending money on things you can "afford" that make you happy now instead of saving for things that you need and will give you a sustainable life is short sighted.