If you are evaluating the math of buying a condo or single family home to live in, and concerned about the high costs, have you considered buying a 2-4 unit to help you lower your cost of living?
A 2-4 unit is also a great starter investment as this qualifies for residential lending vs commercial lending (5+ units) which is far more complex and typically requires much higher equity/cash to purchase under DSCR.
You can use FHA, VA or conventional loans to purchase 2-4 units with some nuances/caveats and subject to loan limits.