Good point Nate. That is a disaster waiting to happen buying a house with your girlfriend. For that matter, buying a house in partnership with anyone is stupid. If you can’t afford the payments based on your own salary, then you shouldn’t even be considering buying a house, that is common sense. What is the rush anyway? Most 24 year olds in California don’t own their own houses so why should you? What makes you different?
Wait a few years until you start making better money, and home prices are lower. In 3-5 years you should be in a better position.