A Boring Dystopia

They want to keep their monthly mortgage payment between $3,000 and $3,500 — or around 30% of their monthly take-home income of about $11,000.

This makes it seem like they only take home a little more than half their wages.

Something doesn't add up. The only issue I see is one might be an independent contractor. Or they're excluding health insurance and 401k.

Edit: some quick digging. First issue is the definition of take home pay.

Take-home pay is the net amount of income received after the deduction of taxes, benefits, and voluntary contributions from a paycheck. It is the difference resulting from the subtraction of all deductions from gross income. Deductions include federal, state and local income tax, Social Security and Medicare contributions, retirement account contributions, and medical, dental and other insurance premiums. The net amount or take-home pay is what the employee receives.

But the bigger issue is the 30% rule. 30% is on gross and not take home. This would give them a out 7k per month. I bet they're following the advice of someone like a Dave Ramsey. These people are not victims.

It's Business Insider, always read whatever they say with spoonfuls of salt

Well, they are saying they bring home $11k, not $17k a month, not sure where you got that number. With $11k of income, spending $5k on mortgage is less appealing. Especially if you consider a risk of layoff.