This argument always lacks a few beneficial, tangible components of home ownership.

There are about 10’factors and you have to nail about 9 of those components accurately to be cash positive.

@Justin Ericsson  I was just commenting on the vast difference's between the markets when it comes to rentals and the tenants there is no question that SEction 8 in the mid west is a key component to the stability of the market place with out it.. 

The key is not overpaying for an owner finance component to a deal.Marc C. said it himself that he is putting in a personal time and energy to find this situation ( Of course, I'm not talking about listed properties, but value-adds I find myself through direct mail and networking.

I see it every week).Quickly on the long term financial viability of solar: as has been mentioned there are many factors to consider:Net meteringTax creditsPanel and system degradationSoilingSnowWeather patterns (rain and clouds)Daily solar radiation (how much sunlight is there really during the day)Shading (current and future like trees that are growing)Rate hikes from utility companies (in Utah this is around 4% per year, averaged)Power disruptions (outages, maintenance, etc)System maintenance costs (cleaning, repairing and replacing components)If you take out a loan, interest costsAnd there are more....In real estate there are plenty of people willing to sell you a house and not disclose the issues if you don't think to ask or inspect.

Also, if you are considering keeping it, I would have a home inspection done if you haven't already done so to see if there are any major components that needs to be replaced anytime in the near future; roof, furnace, hot water, HVAC, etc.

However, there is an educational time component necessary.

. :) The attorney leads didnt pan out, as stated above, but I just wanted some practice at the marketing component....'

There is also the loan component.  

From a rental income component, I just included the assumed monthly rent of $1,500 from the side that we would be renting out as the other portion would be my side of the mortgage.