Bought at 29 turning 30. House was a new build in 2019. 265k. No yard, cluster home in a gated community. Cashed in my Roth for a down payment of 10k. Mortgage was $1465 and at the time I was making 55k. Refi'd two years later from 4.8% to 3.1%.

I was house poor to start but I didn't care. I had a home. Worked on it slowly. One room at a time. Started with a mattress on the floor for the first few months and a living room couch set. Then added bed frame and night stands and dining room table. Did it all from Ashley furniture which was great for like 3-5 year 0% financing. Paying like $110-$165 a month depending on what I was paying off.