[Hehe]

The thing of rent vs owning is covered under a very simple economic term: opportunity cost.

Since the money one would make over time is a finite number, given the opportunities available, is paying off a house the best choice, financially speaking?

For me, it's not. The money spent on house can make me more money elsewhere. (factoring the rent and any potential appreciation/depreciation I could take into consideration) Hence, I decide to rent. Nevertheless, if one doesn't know jack about investing, and leaving the money sitting in saving is the best option one could do if one doesn't buy a place, then perhaps buying is a better choice.