According to my math, you made a great decision. $7500 earning 10% compounded each year only equals about $131K. You avoided 30 years of rent increases and made an extra 200K. Nice job!

Home ownership in America is a no-brainer (if you plan on staying in one location) The tax advantages alone make it worth while. But you also have to keep in mind that population growth is hockey sticking up and all these people need places to live. Additionally, the elite class needs a place to store their wealth and real estate is finite so we see investment companies buying up all the homes.