OT: Rent or buy? Also, school question

[juliana_sd]

No, not strollers

We are moving this summer - our apartment is too small and too far from my workplace. So for my $X available per month I could

1 - buy a "starter condo" and have $ left over to invest
2 - buy a townhouse and have no $ left over
3 - rent a townhouse and have $ left over to invest
4 - rent a house and have no $ left over

Leaning toward #3... I would love to live in a "regular" house but it just seems shortsighted to rent AND not be building any savings when I have other options.

Also, since I have the luxury of choosing my neighborhood, how do you know what schools are good? DS will be starting K in the fall. I have the test scores to go on which has narrowed it down somewhat, but I don't want to choose based on that alone.

Thanks for any input!

 

[AuroraBeauty]

Find a good realtor and make them do some of the legwork so that you don't have to reinvent the wheel. The Seller pays the realtor fees so find someone who will work for you and get you the info to make the best decision.

Best of Luck!