Need advice/ encouragement!!

Hi all! For context, Im 23 F and my partner is 25 M. But, without turning this into a full on vent, we want to buy a home in California. We're tired of paying rent on apartments! Both my partner and I would love to buy a home, perferably .25 of acre or more for a self-sustaining environment (large gardens (maintained by me,) solar panels, aquaponics, ect..-) When I look into the details on how to make this possible, I get a little sad because I fear it might not be possble. I pride myself on how I mange my finances, but its not near to the point where I feel comfortable enough to buy a home. I see the success posts of homeowners on this page (congrats to those who got the keys!) I would love to make this possible for myself and future family one day. I was thinking of purchasing a home thats foreclosed, but overall not sure. Just started the hunt on obtaining information to make this dream a reality.

How did you homeownders all do it? Tips, advice, encouragement would be great!