You could put up a post-frame build or tow in a trailer for 1-2 months' rent of an apartment in those cities, the building isn't the expensive part - the scarci

You could put up a post-frame build or tow in a trailer for 1-2 months' rent of an apartment in those cities, the building isn't the expensive part - the scarcity of the location is. I'd be overjoyed to rent 450 sqft of land with a 5 minute walk to downtown NYC or Seattle. Especially if it came with water, 30/50A electricity, Internet access, restrooms, showers, and laundry. Day-use dockage, grills, picnic tables, and a view of the water are not as essential but are a big bonus! It's really not that expensive to float a boat in a slip, especially if you're not burning enormous quantities of fuel to transit the coastline. You're not going to get a brand-new yacht for the price of a mobile home, but it's not $2,000 per month, and you're likely to get a significant fraction of your investment back when you sell it.