We have built 4 properties here and one still under construction..
Its a catwalk.. Or at least it has been for us so far..
Before buying materials you should check every hardware in town and go for the cheapest price..Its really not that hard.
In regards renting instead of buying.. I worked out last week that if I had rented a house the same as the one we built it would have been paid for in 6 years.. we have been here nearly 7 years this trip so I`m quids in and never have to pay rent again..
I do take your point though..It suits some better to rent,depending on their situation etc etc.
I know a number of people that have settled into rentals here for 3/4 years thinking they will live there forever..They do all kinds of repairs and improvements and then guess what happens?
They are given 2 weeks notice!!