I think the Piggs shouldn’t “push their values” upon a new poster who has not indicated that they are “demanding” any particular public school rating.
One can’t possibly know what it’s like to live on $50-$60K year income for a family of four in SD Co, CA unless they themselves have personally tried it.
I’m on the rent/buy fence with the OP’s situation here, as posted. As a single mom, I’ve personally spent nearly $5K on pest control alone over 15 years of ownership (sole ownership). And my income was never over $55K annually. I think home repairs/maintenance on an older home (or HOA and possible MR on a newer home/condo) could really eat into their savings for college/retirement. If I were the OP, I would try mightily to get my landlord (and her heirs, if necessary) to give me a 5 year lease OR do an owner carryback first TD and note for no more than $250K and no more than 1 pt over the current 30-yr fixed prevailing rate. If they insist on a straight note with a balloon payment, I would insist upon a 10 year note, which would give the OP time to go to work FT after her kids are in school FT and help her spouse qualify for a conventional refinance.
