Think you need 20% down and perfect credit to buy a home? Think again. Whether you’re self-employed, working with a lower credit score, or only have $1,000 saved, there are creative paths to ownership. From FHA and VA loans to house hacking, bank statement loans, and down payment assistance, the key isn’t waiting—it’s having the right strategy. Let’s build a plan that works for your life, not someone else’s checklist.