Is renting a waste of money?

[Mike Verrona]

So i am thinking about getting my own place.

Problem is i do not have sufficient income to get approved for a Mortgage, nor do i think i know enough to go and jump into one.

From places i have seen... i am going to spend around $1500 + utilities per month.

Would i be better of trying to get a paper-trail and a multi family building and just live in one?