learn how loan amortization is calculated
you should be able to calculate a 360 month mortgage being paid off with a fixed interest rate
like the other poster said, get your credit score up
research and see what type of loan you qualify for ie. VA loan, FHA loan, etc
if you don't qualify for a loan that allows you to ignore a down payment............then save at least 20% of the value of the loan you are trying to borrow
have saving for your 1st year of home repairs
if you can, buy a new home by having it built and make sure the builder gives you a warranty
and lastly location is everything.............research if a home is in a potential flood zone, look up property tax rates, look up how many natural disasters happened in the area in the last 10-15 years
finally, try to get a feel for what the neighborhood surrounding the property will look like by the time you pay off your loan