Also property taxes -- and in many cities condo &#x2F; co-op fees.  I find it odd to see people stretching themselves to the limit to &quot;own&quot; property, when it actually means they have even more &quot;landlords&quot; than before (the IRS, the bank, and often the condo association).<p>I live in SF and renting is a great deal!  (admittedly, as long as you are not looking right now :-&#x2F; )<p>I would consider buying something relatively big in a small town that you can really own, but I don&#x27;t see the appeal of these tiny starter &quot;homes&quot; in big cities, with so many strings attached.