I just did a quick search on Realtor.com, there's over a dozen single-family homes for sale right now in my school district in San Antonio (one of the best in the city) for under $200,000. Any would be a worthy starter home, safe location, with great schools. They're small and not so stylish, but you can buy them on the income of a teacher or beginner in a new career.
In addition to TX, lots of places in the Midwest are still affordable. the old "Go west, young man" quote doesn't work anymore. It's now Go east, but not too far east.