I disagree completely. You are trading risks and the government protects you in buying. The big problem is that people want to buy a 5 BR / 4 Bath that is the m

I disagree completely. You are trading risks and the government protects you in buying. The big problem is that people want to buy a 5 BR / 4 Bath that is the max they can afford so they do get stuck in that cycle. I didn't grow up poor by any means but today's kids need a 12x12 BR and sometimes on suite. We had 2 bunk beds and four teenage boys in a 10x10. People would be better served by buying the cheapest and smallest house that will actually function for them, make small upgrades over time and then play the upgrade game. Doing so by only moving to a bigger and nicer house when they can keep their payment and mortgage end date the same. You can't control rent prices any more than you can employment. At least with buying, you will likely have some appreciation eventually. The government gives you back the interest you pay. You have an asset you can borrow against in bad times. You are paying the future's housing bill at today's prices. Inflation is your fried after you have bought your house. A house is the best way 90% of Americans have to build equity. Additionally, with all the NIMBYism everywhere, the likelihood of appreciation is almost guaranteed (outside of dead towns)