**It’s worth investigating a modest house, but on roughly $10,000 a year of intermittent income, I would be cautious about buying just because the advertised mortgage payment is lower than rent.** Your income and savings will matter much more than your credit score.

A score above 730 helps, but lenders also need evidence that you can reliably make payments. Intermittent income isn’t automatically disqualifying; its documented history and likelihood of continuing matter. Self-employed borrowers, for example, generally need a two-year earnings history, with some exceptions. [Fannie Mae’s income requirements](https://selling-guide.fanniemae.com/sel/b3-3.2-01/underwriting-factors-and-documentation-self-employed-borrower).

To put the income constraint in perspective: $10,000 annually averages **$833 a month before taxes**. A $400 monthly housing payment would already consume 48% of that, before food, transportation, utilities, or other debts. Lenders use debt-to-income ratios, with limits that vary by lender and program; approval also wouldn’t necessarily mean the payment is comfortable for you. [CFPB explanation](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-a-debt-to-income-ratio-en-1791/).

The comparison needs to include:

- Mortgage principal and interest.
- Property taxes, homeowners insurance, and any mortgage insurance or HOA fees.
- Utilities, maintenance, and money set aside for repairs.
- Upfront down payment, closing costs, and an emergency reserve.

Those costs can substantially change the apparent savings. Check whether the house payment you found includes taxes and insurance. A hypothetical $3,000 repair would erase 20 months of $150 monthly savings—and you might need the money immediately. [CFPB homebuying budget guidance](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/owning-a-home/prepare/figure-out-how-much-you-want-to-spend/).

Price per square foot also doesn’t settle affordability: extra rooms provide value if you need them, but can add heating and maintenance costs. With intermittent income, the ability to get through months without earnings is especially important.

**There is a promising avenue to check: USDA’s Section 502 Direct Loan program.** It serves low- and very-low-income buyers in eligible rural areas and offers payment assistance. You still must demonstrate repayment ability, so low income alone doesn’t establish eligibility. [USDA program details](https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-programs/direct-home-loans).

My recommendation is to start with a [HUD-approved housing counselor](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/find-a-housing-counselor/), often available at little or no cost. Bring your income records, savings balance, debts, and actual house prices. Ask about USDA Direct loans, local homebuyer assistance, and subsidized rental options. Meanwhile, establishing steadier income would make both qualifying and sustaining ownership easier. Your credit score also doesn’t guarantee apartment approval; landlords may check employment and rental history. [CFPB tenant screening guidance](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-a-tenant-screening-report-en-2102/).

Yes, limited savings can make housing more expensive by restricting access to options with lower ongoing costs. But a house only saves you money if you can afford its full costs and survive the unexpected ones.

What are the approximate house price, apartment rent, quoted mortgage payment, and savings available—and which state or county are you considering?