[chmorgan]

This isn't caused by investors, they simply see the value in owning and renting to those that aren't interested or capable of outright ownership.

The price increases seen in the market are driven by the rising cost of energy, materials, and the lowering value of the dollar through inflation.

If governments, state and local, were receptive to construction, you'd see the market compensate for higher prices with increased supply. With building heavily regulated in many areas you've got government driving prices up through their limits on supply.