Ok, I have a bit more time now, so here are my responses to your comments on what I wrote.

1. According to https://time.com/personal-finance/article/average-down-payment-on-a-house/, the average down payment this year was 17%, not far from the recommended 20% that I used.

2. According to https://ipropertymanagement.com/research/average-rent-by-year, the average rent has increased from $27 in 1940 to $1191 in 2021, which works out to an average annual increase of 4.8%, not 3%. While 4.8% isn't the same 5.24% as the long-term appreciation of US residential real estate, it's not too far from it.

3. The $50/month off - you're right! I'll fix this after I finish this response.

4. Average homeowners insurance in the US is $1820 according to https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/insurance/average-homeowners-insurance-cost.

5. Spending over 30% of income on housing - yes, I know there are markets where people are forced to do so, but this is considered being "housing burdened" which is to be avoided if possible.

6. Deductbility of mortgage interest and property taxes - you're right! However, there are many other deductions one can use that push the portion of interest and taxes you can deduct high enough that much of the homeownership-related deductions can be claimed above the standard deduction. For example, medical expenses above 7.5% of AGI, personal property tax, donations, and state income tax. As for the 30% I quoted, that assumes, e.g., 22% federal plus 8% state and local (typical MD rate).