But there is one distinct difference between the two that's central to this discussion and I've mentioned it above - the pool of buyers.

you have some distinct advantages over many others..

In seriousness, I think you draw a needed distinction that is not absent of any of the other posts.

The equitable distinction is difficult for many people understand but here's a common example. 

It is pretty clear there is a distinction in the definition of housing between less than a week, and a week or more.

I considered purchasing a home in the SF Bay area, but some arguments deter me: 1) I am unsure on how long my family will stay in the Bay area – there is a distinct possibility that we will move to a new location within the next 5 years. 2) Houses here are pushing the million dollar mark tying up a lot of capital, which could be used differently (season tickets for the Warriors, anyone?).

From there the real distinction breakdown from most locals will be east and west.

The mortgage paperwork doesn't make any distinctions about whether or not occupancy is on a trial basis, right? 

@Eric Walker,Just to expand a little bit on what @Matthew Rayl posted, the payments on equity loans and other credit lines MAY be interest-only, also.He also mentioned a key distinction: equity loans and other credit lines are generally "revolving" - that is, as you pay the balance down the rest of the credit limit once again becomes available to you.

I believe the distinction is between "debt collection" and being "licensed to purchase/own" mortgages/DOTs.