I live in an affordable area, invest and save with no debt. Pre-qualified for 260. Any houses listed at that price sell for at least 70k over asking. Anything below usually needs so much work it is un-tenable.

I'd love to afford a duplex to rent while living in half but even semi-detached units are 270k here already. I'm not giving up but unless some variable changes I've been priced out of the market in a little over a year.