Just find a very small place, one that is run down and needs work, a fixer upper. Nothing major, just cosmetic stuff. Fix it up. Live there for a couple of years, then sell it. You will probably make a profit.
Most people make the mistake of buying a home that they can't afford. Buy one that is being sold By Owner if possible to escape paying for a realtor. Realtors always try to talk people into spending as much as possible on a house because they want a bigger commission. Most of them are pond scum. You don't need them. All you need is an attorney to do the paperwork at the closing.