I think you're on the right track with Lowell - that's consistently been one of the most affordable markets in the greater Boston area when you consider price to rent metrics.

Are you trying to afford a house much more expensive than your W2s could cover? 

There are some markets that will write both together and if affordable, that would the way I would recommend going.   

If the tenants can't afford it, let them move out and find a new renter willing to pay what it's worth.

For his first two years here he stayed in a rooming house, because he couldn’t afford his own house or apartment.After World War II this country “got rich”, affordable housing became plentiful as “the suburbs” were developed.  

All else being equal, lower mortgage rates reduce the cost of ownership and, thereby, allow more people to afford to buy.

You can afford to pay a bit more if rates cool down.We need to also remember that BRRRR become a really hot topic in a low interest environment.

Always buy the best quality property you can afford.

College used to be a lot more affordable, I studied in Europe (where college is free) and it blows my mind to see kids with 200k student loan debt trying to get ahead on a 50k job.The housing market has started to drift apart geographically.

It makes sense for more affordable housing for owner occupants.