your age will make a big difference here as the younger you are the better. There are also a lot of tax advantages to doing this. If you must do a mortgage try and make sure your payment is 1/2 the rent. You can also look into the foreclosed HUD homes in your area. You will probably not qualify for a HUD unless it has already been foreclosed on. (if that is still a policy. We did this a long time ago). The interest on a mortgage will defeat the purpose if you are going dollar for dollar unless you have a good chunk of down money. Thats all I have good luck. This can be a retirement enhancement if you play your cards right.