Earning $50k is times like these is just your own fault.
You seem pretty sharp minded, yet would like to own a house (presumably for your own wealth creation), yet earning $50k in this job environment is ridiculous.
Change your career and get moving otherwise you will be here in another 5 years whining that the old timers had it so easy.
Invest in yourself is the best decision you can ever make, then you can invest in other wealth creation later on.
If you are only in your 20s you have the next 30-40 years to improve your life and conditions. Wealth isn't everything though.
