<prompt> Human: First time buyer, looking for a condo or starter home in Denver. I know I pay out the ass for rent, and it looks like a lot of places Im potentially interested in have an estimated 700-900mo mortgage payment Zillow. Id much rather be putting money into a place I own than throwing it away on rent.I am about 30,000 in debt student loans and credit cards, but easily making the monthly payments and have very little in savings. I have a good credit score. My questions is: Am I out of luck until I pay off my debt and save up a down payment? It will take me years to do that on my current budget. I think my biggest hurdle is the down payment, but Im not sure I qualify for any sort of loan with my current debt.EDIT: Just wanted to say thanks for everyones input -- its been truly eye-opening! Sounds like Ive got some more work to do before Im ready to buy. Very much appreciated :  <response>: Dont think of renting as throwing away money. Think of it as biding my time while I get my finances and myself in order so that I can buy a house I really love.Ive been able to do a lot for myself as a renter. I was able to knock down my stupid CC debt. I was able to save up for a nice car. Ive been able to enjoy the benefits of living on the hip side of town, with all the hipster amenities. I have also been able to learn what I really want in a house. When youre young and dumb, you dont think about certain things--like how expensive it is to heat and cool a two-story house, for instance. You may think youre fine with only having street parking, or having to carry groceries up two flights of stairs, or not having central AC. But with maturity, you realize what your gotta haves and no ways are. Buying a house too early means youre more likely to have regrets. You can assume your first home will just be a starter. But sometimes people are stuck in their starter for a long time. Its better to be in a position where you dont have to settle for meh. After renting for the past 18 years, Im about to be a homeowner. I intend for this to be my forever house because its got everything Ive ever wanted in a home. I dont think I would have been as excited if I had tried to do this just a year ago. So there are definite benefits to waiting until youve got more play in your finances. 