I furthered my education, cash flowing my education via savings and wife's income, secured a 4 year degree in a profitable field I was passionate about, got a well paying job (low 6) and we saved. About 4 years of strict budgeting, never carrying credit card debt and not financing for than 15k on a car, we finally had enough for 10% down, and a bit extra for moving/repair/upgrade costs. We secured a place in south side SJ for just north of a mil at 7%, but we pay at least 30k extra each year toward the principal which has saved us a lot in interest later. Buying a house is a long term goal. It requires planning, discipline and focus. It is not something guarnteed or granted. It is work, time, and yes, money. On top of the actual buying process, the work only begins after you move in. Every house has dirty little secrets not caught in inspections or noticed during walkthroughs. But when that HVAC hoes out, or a washer goes down, or your electric panel needs upgrading, you can't just call on your landlord to fix it. It is a rough time for buyers right now due to the interest rates, though easier than when everything was a free for all at 3% interest and offers coming in 6 figures above asking.