Rent vs. Buy: Do the Calculator Numbers Add Up?

I wish I were a renter. According to various online rent-vs.-buy calculators, if I bought now, I could make big money in the next few years merely by changing to ownership status.

I like real estate. I think it's a good thing to own, and generally -- but not always -- I think property ownership is an attractive, long-term, low-risk investment option.

I also like financial sanity, so I cringe when a magical calculator says a pot of gold awaits in the years ahead if I buy now. ...