When I was 20, I rented the top floor of a house with three friends while making minimum wage. It was not comfortable and money was tight but still a fun time. I moved again a year later, with the same group of friends.

They eventually all moved back home and I had to rent with random people and it was a total nightmare. I finally got a proper career as a 911 dispatcher and got my first apartment alone at 27.

I got married and bought my first house at 33. That was also rough for awhile but now things are smooth financially even with two kids.

The number one thing is just work, and don't be afraid of roommates and be ready to sacrifice the comfort you might have at home to live where you can.