> Where I live renters pay a $300-500/mo premium over what they'd pay if they had a mortgage. >I sure would like an extra $6000 a year to go to building my wea

> Where I live renters pay a $300-500/mo premium over what they'd pay if they had a mortgage. >I sure would like an extra $6000 a year to go to building my wealth vs building someone else's That's the crux of the argument here. Money that would otherwise be spread around (the difference between owning and renting) instead lines the pockets of the shareholders of private equity firms. It's almost like a forced tax, because if you have to live in an area (e.g. can't move because of family, employment, access to schools etc), but are outbidded from the house you'd otherwise be able to afford - that means you are forced to rent.