Retirement is in 8 more years if I take it early at age 55. I work in the mortgage industry and at the same company for 17 years. They've had several rounds of layoffs and I decided to do this now... just in case. House prices are low and the payments are only $469 + taxes & insurance. I couldn't even rent a small apartment for that! Even in the less expensive area this house is in. Since it is considered an investment, my lender required an appraisal that included an income analysis. The rent is estimated to be $1100 per month.
I'm pretty sure that even if I had to retire right now, or lost my job, that I could afford this house on my current pension amount that I've accumulated. In 8 more years I'm certain of it.