As a long term investment (basic necessity of life) MF you're dreaming if you think you can do better than the family home which is essentially a form of "forced saving" not to mention the tax benefits.
Many here are getting investments confused with what's in its simplest form - shelter from the elements.
Sure you can rent but are you disciplined enough to do something prudent with the money you're not spending on the ancillary costs of buying/owning your own home?