There are situations where it makes sense to own a condo: if you don’t have the time, money, or health to maintain a house, then a condo makes sense.
From the OP’s post, since s/he is willing to buy a fixer and has a great income level, I don’t think those situations apply.
You’re forgetting “… or the desire.” Some people want to be relatively free, and no external maintenance goes a long way towards freedom. One can still buy a fixer condo — I’ve seen some that need a lot of work inside — if they want a good deal.[/quote]You’ve heard of gardeners, right? I’m pretty sure those people who live in RSF are not maintaining their acreage by themselves.