The answer is YES, but the home you buy needs to be on a permanent foundation that will meet FHA and VA guidelines, because in this part of NC, so many mobiles and modulars are bought by military members and veterans...And you need to buy a home in the area that will benefit you, especially in the future, so you can gain equity, and not lose it...

Good question! I have sold a few of these homes in the past. A manufactured home will absolutley not appreciate the same as a "stick built" traditional home. These homes are called H.U.D.
A modular home, may be I.R.C. or U.B.C. and is a much better product to purchase if you are concerned about equity.
A modular home will be appraised along with other traditional homes however a manufactured home will not.
The only issue I forsee is that there can sometimes be a certian stigma against even a very nice modular home (IRC or UBC)- some people just do not see it as a "real home" and like to use the phrase "trailer home" wich can leave a bad taste in your mouth.
Please dont get me wrong though, I absolutley love some of the Modular home products on the market, they are built very well and are very well insulated, better than most traditional homes.
I suggest contacting palm harbor homes in your area. They are a pretty good builder, just remember get EVERYTHING IN WRITING when buying any new construction!
Good Luck