Buying a house?

Today was another day waisted driving around looking for a good house to rent. I have two new roommates to consider, and possibly the old roommate is returning to live with as well. There could be 4 of us living in this house. And as it stands, I am not having as much luck as I want to have finding a place. At the end of the month I have to give 30 days notice here at my apartment, I could upgrade to a larger apartment, or I could live at an entirely different address altogether. I like the size of our current dwellings, but I am not real keen on changing apartment numbers and dealing with mail confusions. It took almost a year to get that all straightened out last time.
Today I called a real estate agent to ask him if he could give me some advice, and I am cautious to say I am seriously considering purchasing a home on a short term loan.
As long as I have people living with me it would get paid of relatively soon.
Is this a bad idea? Am I getting in over my head? Should I just be content to rent? I'm not content to rent when it is over $800 a month, but if it is $700 split between 3 or 4 that makes it a bit easier. But then again, if I am willing to take on the responsibility of a home at the same cost per month would that be the wiser choice? I guess that depends on how long my roommates stick with me. The idea of having a dwelling which could be improved is altogether motivating though. What should I do?