I’m defending sdr, (crazy I know) but I think what he is stating that if you are at or close to rent and mortgage break even, that the cost of having your own place, not being on real estate blogs thrashing numbers, you can move on to curtains, paint and other things in life you want to do.
Some people, the cost of owning that is close to rent break even is enough. They buy and move on.
Others, want to try to get the absolute lowest price, even if they have to thrash numbers for the next few years trying to figure out what that is. Yeah, they will save some money, but in the end how much $$ is worth it?
I pay for extra coverage on my car insurance, the extra $$ is costs is worth the piece of mind for me.
BTW: I can’t believe that P.R. is up there as far a desireability. I was in San Juan this summer, can you say fully barred in windows and porches?