<prompt> Human: So I just finished my second year in medical school and I am in the process of studying for my first and the most difficult board exam in July.I have lived with my parents all my life - through undergrad and a gap year and through the first half of medical school. This has helped me save money, sure, but I am now almost 25 and I want to get my own place. Ive done some research on apartments and houses in my selected area, and I found a number of good options.I found an apartment that is well situated for me and they are ready to take me in at my word. Rent would be 970 a month plus utilities, so taking a not-so-experienced guess, I estimate 1300-1500 depending on heating, monthly. My standard Stafford Unsubsidized loans would cover this. I can also take Grad Plus loans if needed, but I want to avoid those if at all possible.Now of course, the main concern here is whether it is wise for me to pay all this using loans that are brewing at 6.8 interest and that I wont be able to make any meaningful headway in paying for another 5-6 years at the least. I will be making a small income after medical school in residency, but only enough for minimum likely interest-only student loan payments, mortgage payments, and modest living expenses. Ill answer this one - it is not wise. But I really want to move out, so lets say I insist on doing this. What is the best way to go about it?My alternative would be to buy a home in the 100,000 - 150,000 range in the same location and simply pay that rent money towards the mortgage. Again, I have the luxury here of having my dad offer to put the downpayment on it for me to be able to get approved, with me working something out with him about paying it back in a few years. Having never lived on my own before, I wonder what other costs and responsibilities would come with owning a house of my own. I am very attracted by the idea that my high-interest loan money would go towards an actual investment instead of paying for rent, never to be seen again.Assume I have only the most basic understanding of how the legal stuff and economics of owning property works. Is buying a house a better idea? I imagine it varies widely depending on a number of factors, but what can I expect a fair mortgage rate and monthly payment to be on a house in this price range? Im hoping others with more worldly experience can help out an unwitting lifelong student here.Assistant: How are you going to get approved for a mortgage on a house with no income?Human: Well my first thought is that my dad would be my cosigner. Im not sure if its different for a mortgage, but for other purposes, my student loans count as income.  <response>: Student loans arent income and shouldnt be considered as such. There is no reason for you to purchase if you cannot afford it on your own. 