(Am a regular, but have name-changed as this would be v identifiable if anyone I know IRL stumbled across it.)
I am nearly 40, and had almost given up on owning my own home. Have rented forever, and am heartily sick of it. I have also been dying to have a dog of my own.
I did a ton of research into the market, and found a run-down villa in my dream location. It has its flaws (small bedrooms, horrible paint, dodgy kitchen), and has been a rental for over a decade. Because of that, and some extensive negotiating, I got it for well under the market rate, and less than the listed price.
It is freestanding with no common walls, 5 minutes to the beach, in a lovely area. It has garden on three sides and large palm trees along the back. It's in a gorgeous, quiet street. And I bought it mortgage-free (with family help; I have to pay back, but without interest).
I have had terrible luck with so many things lately, including being dumped by text after a 1-year relationship. So I can't believe that I have been this lucky!! 
Not meaning to boast, just wanted to share how happy I am and I can't tell anyone IRL yet. I am dying for settlement to go through! (3 weeks' wait...)