I currently live in a mobile home and can honestly say, it is a terrible decision. We are scurrying to save money to move out. And it's not a bad neighborhood; it's quiet and peaceful and nice (it's not like a druggie infested trailer park). But the problems with mobile homes themselves are the issue.

First of all, durability matters more than you think before you actually have to deal with the issues of living in a place that's falling apart. Just out of the blue, things like the water heater and the whole heating system of the place will break, then you have to take cold showers or freeze in the winter until you can afford to pay somebody thousands up-front to fix it (this happened to me last winter).

Mobile homes are so flimsy that they're basically uninhabitable for long periods of time. They are very temporary homes. We had a guest over who was kind of heavy (like 400+ pounds) and when they went to use our bathroom, the floor literally caved in. That would not have happened in a solid house. In another instance, I had a wicker chair sitting against the wall for too long and when I moved the chair, discovered a hole in the wall. Leaned my hand near that spot later and my hand literally went through the wall...

EVERYTHING in a mobile home will just fall apart. The walls, the heating and water systems, the electrical system screws up often here, too. And although mobile homes are cheaper up front, the power bills are usually higher because you're running the heat (if it works at all) harder because the insulation is insufficient.

Renting a decent place for yourself to live is only a waste if you consider investing in your own comfort and quality of life a waste. You are paying more for warmth, for quality, for durability, and so much more. Yes, saving money is good, but remember that the whole purpose of having money in the first place is so that you don't have to live like a rat. Use it to give yourself and your future children the best life and environment possible. A mobile home is not the way to do it and once the place starts caving in, you will get depressed.

I would really just rent a house. Find the lowest rent in a safe neighborhood.