Matthew Gardner over at Gardner Economics (http://gardnereconomics.com/) has a chart that illustrates the cyclicality of real estate markets.

Information offered to illustrate the potential benefit of buying the trailer.To answer the OP, if you can stand living there, maybe not a bad idea.

I'll continue reading this thread with interest since it appears to me to be a real-world, slow-motion illustration about how Nigerian-type scammers seduce seemingly astute victims -- something I've occasionally wondered about.

Rent increased to $2,325 for year 2.Assets:Cash$54,900 (Year 2 Net Operating Income: $935/m)Fixed Assets:Condominium 1$455,000Total Assets:$509,900Liabilities:Accounts Payable:$33,360Notes Payable:$125,840Total Liabilities:$125,840Owner's Equity:Retained Earnings:$54,900Common Stock:$455,000Total Owner's Equity:$509,900Net Worth:$384,060…and so onAlthough not real, this is just an example to illustrate what I naturally do.I understand how rough this is as I didn't include depreciation and all that fun stuff, but do any of you brainstorm storm like this when trying to see the big picture?

This is a very general statement of course, subject to change, but just hope to illustrate a basic picture of what I might like to do keeping in mind I am still in the extensive research phase. 

My wife can do the illustrations since this is one of her many talents and I would develop the story line with their help.

This was merely an example to illustrate the opportunity cost.

I'm not sure what you were saying about issue the voucher at "FMR minus 1/3 income" ...I'll illustrate with a crude but simple example.

The illustration was us renting with a lease option not us buying.....

Maybe just to illustrate that if this loser can do it, so can you.