As a young person freshly graduated from college, one is often facing this question. Use this forum to share your thoughts and learn from others'.

Sam is a newly graduate student. He is weighing on whether to buy a house or rent one. Suppose he earns $50,000 gross income a year and lives close to where you are at. Please help Sam to analyze his choices and make a recommendation to him. To be more specific,

• What are the pros and cons of each choice based on Sam's situation?
• Which choice is more beneficial Sam in a short run? How about in a long run?
• Are there any federal and/or local government benefits that Sam can use should he decide to buy his first house? How about being a first-time renter, will there be any benefits? During the still on-going pandemic, are there any additional benefits Sam can utilize for buying or renting his house?