<prompt> Human: A friend of mine is currently renting a 2 bedroom unit in a 3 unit building. He pays 900 a month, power on top but heat and hot water is included. He recently had his second child so eventually they will need to move. He would like to buy a house but its really not in the cards for him. Would a mobile home be a better option than renting? I realize they depreciate in value but with renting you have nothing to show for it in the end. Any insight and advice would be appreciated.  <response>: As appropriate, rpersonalfinance will focus mostly on the fiscal reasonableness of owning a mobile home versus renting an apartment or townhome. However, from a societal standpoint and for the sake of his childrens future social well-being, for the love of god do not let your friend live in a mobile home. 