>there would be no surplus every month to save.

IF someone is so on the edge that they have zero extras, then they should not get a mortgage, because they're one hiccup away from losing it all.

This is why I put in the phrase "without killing themselves."

And, if you want to save that 6K mortgage downpayment, downsize life by a little - it really is not much to do. If you're so poor you cannot do this, there are federal programs to assist.

Again, this is a non-issue for pretty much every person that is also capable of paying a mortgage.

The sad reality is that if you can't save 6k, house ownership may not be a viable option for you. Things break. Things need maintenance.

Bingo, my rent is going up $100 bucks a month this year.