If the $3000 is the total looks like it is about the same to buy as rent after taxes. But with 10,000 foreclosures a month in the Inland Empire prices will go down.
Make sure you are getting a good loan. Do not trust the broker; take your loan papers to your CPA. Look at all the fools that did not; it is worth a $100.
Plus, you will be stuck; it takes 6 to 18 months to sell.