[probably_wrong]

I agree with the core of your advice: a friend of mine wanted to restore bikes. I gave him mine as a test, and the experience taught him that he doesn't really want to restore bikes.

That said, I'll proudly wear my "off-topic" downvotes to nitpick that "find a spare house" sounds to me as affordable as "find a spare Ferrari".

Sent from my balcony-less apartment

[catchnear4321]

you are looking at it in terms of minimum effort needed. it can cost less, but you would have to give more.

you are in an apartment without a balcony, it is a relatively safe assumption that you are in a high cost of living area. at least relatively. your bike anecdote near confirms it.

if you were to look for a “spare house,” or rather a somewhat rundown but plausibly restorable house, without leaving your current location, you would likely be hard-pressed to do so.

if you were to expand your search, look in less valued areas, more rural, less desirable, you might be surprised the “finds” that are out there. for some, touring such a find may be enough to convince them that this is not actually their path.

a year without a job, by choice, is much more the measure of privilege here.