Granted, we're smart folks, who could finish a bachelors in four years, and got degrees in subjects that lead to well-paying careers. We also chose to live in a part of the country that isn't stupid expensive.
If you're a first-time home owner, you can get an FHA mortgage, which has a low down payment and low interest rates.
Real estate inflation is a problem, but if you live outside of the ridiculous areas, that million dollar house is only 100k-250k. Which is entirely feasible on an engineer or developer salary in those same areas.
I don't make half of what I could make in SV or NY, in gross terms, but for where I am, I'm very comfortable.