Three letters for ya:
H U D.
I have no plans on staying in TN for more than another 2 years, and I don't even want to stay that long. The idea of throwing away more rent money didn't look good either. I'm buying a HUD home, and will have $15k+ in equity in the house the day I sign the papers.
Goto
www.bidselect.com and check it out. Some HUD homes are rat traps, but many are in great shape. Don't pay retail!