<prompt> Human: First time posting here so hope Im following the rules.So I live in the SF Bay Area at home with my parents. Just graduated last year and been working for 9 months now at an extremely stable 60k job Big 4 auditor. I have 25k saved up. With 20k currently in liquid investments. No debt and Credit Karma quotes my score at 784. My 2008 car is still going strong and should be good for another 3 years at least. I have a 50-60 mi roundtrip commute to work each day, hence my motivation for moving closer to work. Im looking at 1-2 Bd apartments and condos and I see prices of 300-400k on the low end. In the areas Im looking to move to, I would save at least 100month on gas and 6 hrs of traffic per week. I havent done my research on the process of applying for a mortgage yet but wanted to ask if you guys think I should even be considering it right now. Other factors: Bay area prices are skyrocketing and no one can see the end, leading me to believe buying earlier is better I dont want to rent as I plan on living here for the long term. Its my home. Most of my friends are out of state and are therefore renting. I was hoping to get a multi-unit place and rent to some of them to help with the payments. The social aspect of being 22 and living at home in suburbia. While friends are not saving at all but living in cities. no more of mom and dads free food Thanks for all your help.  <response>: Generally you want to stay within 3x your income.3 x 60k 180k.I would definitely not buy in the Bay Area on that salary. Rent a room closer to work for now. 