I think it goes without saying (but I will say it) that I'm not a fancy fellow. That's one of the reasons I am quite pleased to report that Missouri has been ranked as one of the least expensive states to live in based on science. Yay for cheap.
I don't like to be told what to do or what not to do, so perhaps I should change my advice to "maybe". This is in regards to the cheapest city you can buy a home in Illinois, but probably don't. I'll explain why.
I admit that I don't always agree with assertions the internet makes, but in this case I do. A recent visit by a prominent YouTuber highlighted what he believes is the 'most destroyed' town in Illinois and he's not wrong. It is way past the point of no return sadly.