These funds are not just for low-income individuals (they have these programs as well), but they should provide BENEFIT to low-income individuals.

And if so, what are the benefits to the individual.

It will also, I hope, provide you with enough knowledge of how the process works, to the point that you are not deceived by and can protect yourself from, appraisers who are being unethical or, flat out, just don't know what they are doing (though please, give them the benefit of the doubt; they have endured A LOT of training and work to get where they are.

Kickbacks, political contributions and lobbying benefits are just a guise for purchased policies and votes.

Because where "I" want to live is becoming a determining factor in what properties I'm willing to invest in while if I just decide to rent, I can simply invest purely on the numbers.But the real question is do the benefits from being an owner tenant outweigh the expansion of my investment opportunities?

The coupon is forher benefit, not the store's.

Was amused to see your instructor of a "Financial Planning" class take such a view of the Interest Only Option since it is a financial "tool" that can be useful to some people and should in fact be considered by some individuals to accomplish their "financial planning" goals.A few of the valid reasons why one might choose an interest only loan would be: 1) for an individual that has uneven income such as commission based or one that receives occasional large "bonus" checks that could be used to pay down principal.2) For one that is confident they will be making significantly more income in the future 3) One that truely has a plan to invest the savings in something that offers a higher return than would be realized in paying principal on a mortgage 4) possible tax benefits to one that needs the highest interest deduction to reduce their tax liabilityAlso, most interest only loans "recast" each month, meaning you only pay interest on the AMOUNT YOU OWE.

Is this something that benefits only the buyer?

Also better for the tenants b/c they can manage money better and collect frequent flier points or other benefits.

Each city has its own investment benefits and sacrifices.