Note this is as of June, 2021.Assuming you have no other recurring monthly debts (e.g. car loans, revolving credit card debt), it's fair to take your yearly income and multiply by 4 for the total amount of house you can afford.

Unfortunately, I wasted too much time living in the past, and by around day 40 settled on “bargains” in a market that was least preferred (which was still in a buyers’ market phase, unlike the others) - anxiety, lack of preparation (understanding of reality) in new markets I wanted to get into, and wishful thinking worked against me.Lesson for the OP: start identifying the markets - and getting in touch with local agents there - before you are at the sale closing table.

@Jeyo Punnakottil Ask for the EMD to be hold by a closing attorney or a title & escrow company. 1/ unfortunately that's a recurring problem in this industry, people spend a ton of money on advertising but don't pick up the phone when a lead calls in... it blow my mind every time I hear that. 2/ If she gets the full ask + a $5000 EMD why would she bother doing an open house? 

The name of the game in residential RE is to have stable recuring cash flows over long periods of time to provide cash flow and debt pay down. 

After going through all the replies to this post, it seems to be a recurring pattern that people start here to achieve financial independence only to learn that RE investing offers such a plethora of ways to make a living that can appeal to all types of personalities (introverted, extroverted, narcissistic, obsessive-compulsive *haha) and in the end they find they would prefer to continue down the RE path.I wouldn't say so much that people here on BP get 'stuck in the cycle' as much as people here on BP end up discovering something about RE that they are truly passionate about - it's a beautiful thing! 

I'd think it's only problematic if the vacancies are long and ongoing, or recurring at too high a rate.

Obviously that would be a mistake.A lot of partnerships are created to share the anxiety; thats the worst reason.

The love for money (possibly greed) and anxiety are the biggest reasons people make bad decisions.

An emotional support animal can be a variety of animals and it is "prescribed" by a medical professional that is treating the patient for a mental condition (anxiety, depression, etc.) 

The bittersweet feelings of quitting a job include guilt, worry, anxiety, excitement, adrenaline, and gratefulness.There are many professionals who want to take the leap and are aware of the freedom they desire, but feel the guilt and fear associated with abandoning a career path, reducing their income, and still being able to afford a life they love.