first apt. in 1994. A fourplex renting in Provo not in a desirable neighborhood.
Then in 1998 we bought a starter in West Jordan for $110K. 1800 Sq Feet. in a neighborhood with other houses like it.

What really kicked things into gear was when we expected our first child. I realized I needed to make more money, and found a better job. Got on the job and house upgrades ever since. We moved out of state for better work, and eventually back to Utah with a job making much more.

It's really hard to find real starter homes. Partly because expectations have risen beyond incomes, and largely because builders don't build them, except townhomes.

But the breadwinners also need to really kick it in gear and get better skills to make more money.

I mean it's either that or just complain on social media. Either way it's tough but one gets you more money.