The buying experience sucks so I feel for you, but there are lots of cheap houses in less desirable areas - flyover states, I think I heard something about Detroit or chicago? Consider living in a less desireable or popular location that doesn't command such a premium. Remote work can make it possible to live in a town without your industry being present there.
I appreciate you are trying to provide a helpful suggestion buy this is not a solution.
1) I live in the UK. I'm sure Chicago is lovely though!
2) Housing price rises effect entire areas and transport networks, so anything in reasonable commute range (especially if you rely on public transport) also has prices inflated and driven out of reach.
