[cthulhuology]

The cheapest way I've found to live was to buy a 4+ unit apartment building that when the 3+ other apartments are fully rented cover the cost of the mortgage, and utilities. As a result, net out of pocket each year for housing + utilities + taxes + insurance is < $0. (we turn a profit each year) For us, this means we can reinvest our earnings in our businesses and live a very comfortable middle class lifestyle. We live in a city, 3 blocks for 3 different cafes, a dozen restaurants, laundrymats, etc.

[jblok]

What sort of deposit did you need to buy an apartment building?

I'd wager that this isn't a viable solution for most people.

[ericd]

What city?

[shiftpgdn]

I've seen 8-10 unit apartment buildings for as little as 300k in Houston and 4 unit buildings for about the same price in a better part of town.