[OAC_Sparky]

If you are at all handy and willing to wait for the right deal you can save a lot on a Fixer Upper or a Power of Sale. Assuming you're single or married without planning kids soon, you can get one that needs some updating; as long as you can live with living in a construction zone for a bit. Just make sure that you have someone knowledgable check put the house with you -- be careful of "home inspectors" especially ones "recommended" by realtors -- they know where the gravy train is and it's making the sale not protecting you.