at $120k only made $25-30k w/ 8-9% rates. 3x the cost but 3x the salary too. It's all about % of income. I remember being house poor when younger where payment was around 30% of gro income. Don't think that was too unusual.
I'm not saying it's easy but I am saying it's possible. Sitting around moping and thinking it can never happen because the world is picking on you isn't going to solve anything.