Without even bothering to read comments...
Here is the opinion from a Middle-Aged relatively successful dude (Me):
If you have the opportunity to get a House, do NOT hesitate. Sure there's more upkeep and Taxes. But there's also more Tax Credit. I want to be able to Jam my Stereo and Home Theater loud AF whenever I want! But, I do NOT want to hear anyone jamming theirs loud AF. There should ALWAYS be some rate of return with a House. Renting is just that. Our first home was purchased in 2001 for @ $250k. 18yrs later, we sold it for $460k. We are now in a $500k home with half of it paid. In the 1.5yrs we've been here, it has appreciated by $20k. You see where I'm going.
