Mobile homes just don't hold their value and appreciate the same as a conventional stick built home. If money is tight, consider a small home that you could add to later. Also, if you're handy, you might want to consider having a contractor build the basic home and you could finish all or part of the interior, based on the skills that you have. A good friend of mine put up a real nice cape style home and left the upstairs unfinished. Once he had a couple of extra bucks he finished off the upstairs (three bed rooms and a bath) himself. Whatever you consider, if you plan on staying in this home for the forseeable future think about what it will look like in 10 years. For my money, a mobile home is just not the long term investment you're looking for. Also, visit with your local banker. With interest rates still at very low levels, you might be surprised how much house you can actually afford. Note, interest rates on a conventional home mortgage are less than a mobile home loan. Good luck!