The best way to go is build your own home.  Don't use realtors or home inspectors, insurance companies, or banks.  Of course this means you can't deduct the interest from your income for IRS taxes.  There are no breaks when you pay cash for building supplies or when you do the work yourself.  The system is setup to encourage people to go into debt to buy a home.  But the advantages of building your own home is no insurance, no realtors,  and no interest payments.  You are your own boss and are not a debt slave.  I encourage all young people to buy a piece of land and build your own even if it is a two by four shack.  I know several people that did this and came out way on top in the end.  I come from a homestead where we did it all ourselves.