"Sometimes, especially when income tax considerations are brought in, it makes perfect economic sense to own items for a short while."

I am still waiting for someone to show me how buying any item is advantagous when it comes to income tax.  You will always spend more then the tax savings you recieve when buying equipment.  It is not a dollar for dollar exchange.  You spend a dollar so you don't pay $0.20 to say $0.60 per dollar of tax, depending on tax bracket.  Done on depreciating an item, it may be actually worse as the income fluctuates year to year.  The only time it makes sense for the purchase is because you need it.   And let's not forget the interest you pay if not able to pay cash.  Anther expense that is not dollar for dollar.