Looks like a job for our friend the keyhole saw

And if there’s metal or stone in the way, his big brother Mr Dremel

Yes but as a percentage of COL it’s not nearly as much.

Long term, doesn’t matter much that my parents home assesses for $800k when they bought it for $35k in the 80s

Short term no, long term yes.

When I bought my first house it was a financial stretch. When I sold it, the home had appreciated to double what I bought it for. My mortgage and taxes were 50% less than the rent on something half the size.

Your paycheck gets bigger but your mortgage stays the same

Learn how to cook, especially cheap cuts of meat. If you can make a pot roast you can make friends. Lots of college kids miss home cooked meals. If you invite people for an actual dinner they’ll be thrilled.

Also throw in with your roommates for a BJs or Costco or other big box membership. $25 right now and you can make the money back on paper products alone. Just get a single, they do not care if you look like the picture.

Sound cancelling headphones are your best friend, that and ear plugs. If people want to stay up late and you don’t, it’s better to cancel them out than create hostility.

I’m a NIMBY and I wouldn’t want this near me, I’d be worried about the pollution.

Also we’ve been ingrained to associate mint with freshness, gum, literal breath mints, mouthwash, etc.

I can’t even eat mint food because I associate it with stuff you spit out.

I think you’d have to define “affordable” $2000/mo for a studio is a great deal some places.