OP, if you've had serious health problems renting, for now at least, would be best? Also, shelter are brilliant at giving housing advice, even if you aren't experiencing housing or financial issues at the moment.
I'm only writing my experience so you can see how buying can go wrong l, even with the best resolve in the world.
I bought my own property, doing super well as a newly divorced single parent to 3 teens and felt on top of the world. I'd also been homeless, for 13 months in my mid-teens and my position and happiness was definitely a huge triumph for me. But then... I had a big health problem and I was stuck because I had my mortgage to pay. When renting you are entitled to housing benefit.
I eventually got back to work (self employed) after 7 long years rebuilding my physical and mental health. Managed, with huge struggles, to stay in work for 13 years. I became seriously ill, lost the career I'd worked hard for and loved and now I am isolated, struggling to eat, pay my bills and mortgage. I wish I had rented.
I have no boiler, hot water, shower, and lots of repairs needing doing. I can't even sell because I bought when house prices were great, they fell, and I am in negative equity. My overall situation is dire and every single night I go to bed praying I won't wake up.
I hope you can find good impartial advice and things continue to improve for you, you've been amazing turning things round so well, I don't know you, but feel really proud of you.