I purchased the STR 4 months ago and signed PM to get it ready and list, i.e. decorate, furnish etc..it took 3 months (reasons - labor shortage, shipping delays etc.).

It was last sold 42k in 2014)Permits 4KSite Prep (utilities, driveway, decking) 30kFoundation 20kBuild costs 70kFurniture & Decor 5kHot tub 5kMiscellaneous 3kAnyway, so... can I get some advice if number make sense to you at all?

Materials were bought mostly from Home Depot, Menards, and Floor & Decor for flooring/tile.

Staining, updating all decor, added smart locks, LED light bulbs, repairs, new AC and deep cleaning.

Hoping to close by end of Dec or beginning of January.

Floor and decor is like best buy, use it to browse then shop elsewhere.  

I've heard good things about Lumber Liquidators and Floor & Decor.

The conclusion here is that you'll be out of pocket for $74,000 - $37,983 = $36,017.If you rent, you'll pay rent only one third of the time or $56,975 / 3 = $18,992 or half the cost of buying.The difference between buying and renting is so large that it'll remain in favor of renting even if you change my assumptions.While the property might increase in value over time (or not) you'll never be able to enjoy the increase in equity since you'll keep the condo to live in it and you can't refinance.Of course, it's always nice to own your own property so that you can arrange and decorate it as you want and it might have a more homely feel.

Click on some listings that are similar in bed/baths, SF and decor to what you can realistically offer.

May need to add some Dolly decor to my cabin