If you’re focused on investing, you can “house hack” your way into equity. But if you’re more focused on lifestyle or flexibility, say travel, switching jobs, or living downtown, renting wins all day.
Illinois has some amazing down payment assistance programs for first-time buyers. I used one to get 6% toward my down payment and closing costs. That made buying way more attainable than I expected.
So yes, run the numbers, but also ask yourself where you want to be in 3–5 years. That’ll often tell you if renting or buying makes more sense.