I paid cash for my own little $15,000 dollar piece of the American dream.

The barriers to entry for success (even out side of real estate) are minimal for people with a dream, which literally echoes the "American Dream" of the former eras. 

@Robert KentosI would go with a commercial loan obviously. 1st colonial community bank and American Heritage Federal Credit Union we’re both good.

Is a home still the best investment of a lifetime for most Americans?

Well I must say this is better entertainment than watching Trump and Warren go at it over Native-American DNA.

And there are ways to accelerate pay down so you can have them paid off in 10 years and, at that point, never have to worry about working to pay your bills again.1 free-and-clear rental property is good - 10 is incredible for a retirement that most Americans can only dream of.Good luck to you!

Some easier to understand recidivism rates from unbiased sources:The US Bureau of Justice Statistics Studies: Within 3 years following their release, 5.3% of sex offenders (men who had committed rape or sexual assault) were rearrested for another sex crime.Compared to non-sex offenders released from State prisons, released sex offenders were 4 times more likely to be rearrested for a sex crime.Scientific American article excerpts: Sex crimes researchers R.

@Frank Wolter Great example of the American dream i.e. what fruits of your labor can produce.

This is just over 10% of all billionaires in 2016.  44 of those billionaires were Property rich Americans. 

I mean if you think about it renting a beautiful home to raise your family in that you don't have to manage is the American dream.