NCSD
Yes its quite the quandry. I bought my first townhome inSeagate Village and moved up to LCV 20 years ago. My neighbors here at the time included firemen, park rangers and my kids Kindergarten teacher at ECC. Thats just not possible anymore for most.

In the absence of super high paying tech jobs or family help I think the answer comes down to two key things. First and foremost, your first purchase is the key and its best if possible to make that one in a downturn. Then you are on the train and can ride values back up building equity you can leverage 4X. Second, while it was possible to get to that that forever home in 2 steps its likely gonna take 3 or even 4 to get there. The game has changed and its possible for young families to get there. They just need to be patient and be well advised.