$27,99.60 is a strange number. Like Word or not (and most agree it's the best or among the best- I've used several word processors,, including Libre, but none match Word in features or ease of use which is a large reason that Microsoft's Office programs are the most used in the world, even on Apple products), it comes with the suite of programs in Office 365 for 99.99 a year- a bit more for the Business version but I don't use that, although your wife might need to) and it gets regular updates. 40 years rounded up to $100.00 per year = $4,000. If your wife is paying close to $28K over 40 years, simply using it through Office 365 would save her $23,000 or so over 40 years.

And there is no doubt the year fee will increase but enough to cost $27,799~ over 40 years? Doubtful.

Your claim about private equity firms buying up single family homes to rent out rather than sell is something that should be limited, though.