Thanks for all the advice - I've found it really helpful. I may reconsider the amount that I'm saving, but I really don't mind living like a bum for a while to save and buy. I have a terrible fear of turning 50 and having no savings like my dad. Or worse, turning 40 and having my dad want to rely on my savings.

And I promise no gimmick accounts later; I live much too far north to get robbed by mexicans. We have our own stereotypes up here, but they aren't about cleaning ladies. Or any kind of work at all.