A relative of mine bought a house in central Illinois for $90k a few years ago. She's a single mom and works as a bank teller.

There are plenty of places that can be afforded on a single income if you work in tech and can work remotely.

Examples: https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/10-Regina-Dr-Paris-IL-619... https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/804-N-Walnut-St-Pontiac-I...