<prompt> Human: It seems like you would almost always want to be paying a mortgage and increasing your net worth instead of renting, when youre throwing money into a black hole. Im a 24 year old who just started a career and am currently renting an apartment. Is there any reason not to find a condo or house once my lease is up?  <response>: I know this sub is focused on finance, but Id like to plug the emotional freedom that renting provides. Ive both owned and rented and the amount of stress you save by renting is significant. 