The housing market is stuck: Americans can't afford homes, investors aren't buying property, and economists see little relief ahead

• Low inventory, high mortgage rates, and high prices have created a difficult housing market. 
• Homeowners have seen equity climb, but house hunters are having a hard time breaking into the market.
• Purchases by real estate investors plunged 45% in the second quarter compared to last year.

It's a tough time to be navigating the US housing market.