A roof is a major expense and most Americans are so lousy at saving money that they can't afford to replace a failing roof.

Households in 2011(in thousands) All Apartments New Apartments (Built 1990-2011) Total Households (Renters and Owners)Total Households 16,060,156 3,375,747 115,076,390Age of Householder <30 30% 32% 12%30-44 28% 31% 27%45-64 26% 19% 39%65+ 15% 18% 22%Median Age 39 37 50Mean Age 43 43 51Household Type Single Male 22% 20% 12%Single Female 25% 28% 15%Married Couple Only 9% 10% 21%Married Couple with Children 10% 10% 24%Single Parent 13% 13% 10%Other Households 21% 20% 18%Household Members 1 47% 48% 27%2 27% 26% 33%3 13% 13% 16%4+ 13% 13% 24%Mean Number 2.0 2.0 2.5Children (under age 18) Mean Number 0.4 0.4 0.6% Households with One or More 24% 24% 30%Household Income Less than $20,000 41% 35% 22%$20,000 - $34,999 22% 19% 18%$35,000 - $49,999 14% 15% 14%$50,000 - $74,999 12% 15% 17%$75,000+ 12% 15% 30%Mean Income $37,095 $44,490 $64,728Median Income $25,768 $31,982 $45,964Household Income of Market Rate Renters Mean Income $41,938 $53,814 N/AMedian Income $30,000 $38,978 N/AHispanic Householders Hispanic 20% 13% 12%Non-Hispanic 80% 87% 88%Motor Vehicles Mean Number per Household 1.1 1.3 1.8% Households with One or More 73% 85% 92%Notes: NMHC tabulations of 2011 American Housing Survey.

If you really can't afford it due to bills, play the American game, bankruptcy, suffer for three years and move on, you can flip contracts without credit, use hard money lenders, maybe some seller financing if you must trash your credit.I don't see an excuse for being there, except the fear of getting out.

Phashegan..whose American name on the phone is Larry...will tell me OK...can I sell you any mortgage insurance products today, should you find yourself unable to work at some point?

I look at it as I just saved $ in mortgage payments, of which i pay NO taxes to Uncle Sam on.One more thing about home ownership; you get to deduct your interest & taxes.

Hi Sam,You should go to a REIA or the Black Diamond meeting and ask around.

Sam W.

.$20k is still good though. mst Americans don't have a pot to piss in.

Originally posted by Sam W.:.......but 4 kitchens, 4 stoves, and 4x+ the turnover.

The tax strategy has nothing to do with asset protection, but everything to do with giving less to Uncle Sam.