<prompt> Human: Hey guys! Im saving for a down payment to hopefully buy a house in a couple years, but from doing my research Ive seen the general rule of thumb is dont buy anything thats over 3x your salary. I dont make a lot, bit under 50,000, but its still more than the average person. I am also getting my bachlors bba in 2 years so Im sure my salary will improve, but Im definitely not going into any money making career like doctor or lawyer. Anyways 50,000 ×3 is 150,000. Where I live that can maybe buy me a trailer two hour drive from the city, if even... I think the cheapest would be 300,000-350,000 for a decent tiny 600sqft apartment. Which means to afford a tiny apartment, not even a real house, Id have to definitely make over 6 figures. Which I definitely hope to one day, but Im in my early 20s and dont know how long itll take. I come from a poor family, I couldnt even imagine Id make over 40,000 so Im definitely grateful for how much Im making now.Considering I make more than the average person crazy I dont see how anyone can afford their own place? Aside from having double income, but Im not into gold digging haha. I just thought that people who make six figures could afford a house, not struggle to buy a tiny apartment? I know my area is more overpriced that most, but Ive never seen a nice houseapartment for 150,000. Can people making this low 50,000 annualy just never afford to buy a house?  <response>: Im under the impression the rule of thumb is mortgage of no more than 3x your income. So if you save 50,000 for a down payment, then you could afford a 200,000 home. Plus your income will increase over time, and you may find a significant other to help you. 