Comment by poink

I agree with your first paragraph, but there are lots of basically-broke people who live on boats

Old sailboats can be had for practically (and in many cases actually) nothing. If you’re reasonably handy and willing to learn you can do all the maintenance they require yourself

Boats can be some of the cheapest housing there is, even more so if you want to live somewhere picturesque

(There are, of course, significant downsides)