I hear what you're saying, but I mean the person would work and save to purchase the real-estate. The assumption I make is that one saves a percentage of income

I hear what you're saying, but I mean the person would work and save to purchase the real-estate. The assumption I make is that one saves a percentage of income towards a down payment on real estate. That can be done anywhere, and I do agree that in some places it could be easier. That doesn't mean that since it's easy, it's the best decision for someone's life (but it could be).