Own outright. That means pay off the mortgage. To get there I purchase at a price I can get a 15 year mortage but actually get a 30 year mortgage with the intention of paying as if its a 15. Take a few months at 30 to build up an emergency fund but once its well funded do the pay like its a 15 thing. Back off during emergencies. Im unemployed and reducing my expenses to bare bones. This means getting a place much poorer than the typical person at your income level. If you can’t afford doing this expect to be underwater during a crises.