I’m not sure who profits from it, but in my area this seems unlikely to happen. I was interested in buying one, but there were too many points of failure in the process. A community can restrict which manufacturers and models are allowed on the lots. Loan options are limited, which affects the interest rates and terms. Worst of all, you have to buy from dealers, because they are classified like automobiles.
After the manufacturing is done, buyers need a transport company and an installer. The number of consumers reporting problems is high, because when damage occurs each group points the finger at the others. Some owners go the DIY route, and use published advice on dealing with insulation, plumbing, electrical, and moisture issues. When buying used, getting a warranty or insurance might not be possible.
It should be a dream come true for people with modest incomes who want to own a home, but the regulations here (or lack thereof) have turned it into a nightmare. Some of the worst dealers use non-refundable deposits to take advantage of the elderly and people with bad credit, like in this case:
