Sounds like you need help figuring out how to create boundaries. Start by practicing saying "no". If someone asks you to do something, say no. Keep at it.
I mean, even in LA and the Bay area this is true. You are stuck renting unless you can get enough for a down payment. All of the 1950 apartments are being torn down.
I live in a neighborhood and one guy has 6 cars in different states of repair and a boat on his property. Nice guy but I feel for his neighbors. Trailers and fish houses are not uncommon either but not permanent. We have ordinances against it but they aren't really enforced. We went from $200k houses to $400k houses so I expect things to change. I want the sidewalks fixed etc.. I want nice property values. 95% of the neighbors keep things nice.
Well you have to learn the skills to produce the cash crop.. that's what takes a long time. The adage that overnight success takes 10 years. Well that applies to everyone, including academics.