Thanks!

Yeah there are pluses and minuses on all living arrangements, but as long as it works for the situation, then roll with it.

We had sold our other home for a profit and were able to put a fair downpayment and have extra for renovations.

The idea is we were flexible and had a good "in" for our last place and were able to sell at a hot time.

We are staying with a friend which facilitated selling before having a house to buy and allowed us to downsize to save money on monthly payments and lower interest rate.