And thus closes my home buying experience

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$120k will still get you a new construction in birmingham area, albeit not a large house with much land. Try 2 bedrooms and probably one garage. Of course that isn't florida, but house prices here are pretty reasonable when comparing them to the local economy. I'd say either move (which is probably not possible) or set your sights higher. I know when we were looking that going from 120 to 150 bought tons more house and really opened up options.