For all those who successfully transitioned: Did you already own your home? I live in a HCOL area, and rent. Time off or transition to hobby-job that pays le

For all those who successfully transitioned: Did you already own your home? I live in a HCOL area, and rent. Time off or transition to hobby-job that pays less, even if I have a lot of savings, means risking my ability to find a new rental if I need to move. Landlords want to see cash flow or they suspect you. Also rents are going crazy in the US.