I’ve owned, and rented, in Michigan. So except for current house, not steaming hot real estate markets. Current house is really the 1st one that is certain to be large gain. On others, when including insurance, taxes, and upkeep, slightly over break even.
Just got done staining the deck. Took my time, probably worked no more than 5 hours each day, for 5 days. Never did that way back when I rented. Have done a bunch of remodel work, never did that when renting. Not to mention the lawn work now, huge task of handling the leaves that drop in the Fall, snowblowing in the winter, etc.
I luv having the privacy and “freedom” to indulge in loud music, woodworking and power tools, etc, but I totally get how renting can be just as good. Money isn’t everything, but time is pretty darn important, and maintaining a property is work, no doubt about it.
In this current location, am thankful that I own, it is too expensive to buy, and too expensive to rent. I feel for the younger working-class folks with a family, trying to get at building their lives. The working-class wages do not equate to the costs of buying, within a 20 mile or so radius.