Several good suggestions, with one notable exception. If you compare buying a home with renting a similar home in a similar neighborhood, and assuming you plan to stay there for at least a few years, the data show that buying saves you more money.

If you stay there the 9-10 years average for American homeowners, you'll come out very far ahead by buying.

Here's the data-based analysis: https://medium.com/financial-strategy/if-youre-renting-your-home-you-need-to-see-this-1dd55f06dfa