I will never rent again. I can do all repair and maintenance work myself so that isn't an issue. I'd imagine most of you could as well with a little help via google.
Dropping all that cash to rent every month that is just gone is insane.
I'd rather live somewhere, pay the same or less in a mortgage, and then sell for more than I bought it for when it's time to move.

Yard Work? How hard is it to ride around on a lawn tractor drinking beer?