Leo Faber lives in an apartment because it is easy to do and provides him enough space for his projects. If he could afford to be entirely self sufficient, he would, but the world doesn't value his works like this should, like they will, and so he must make due with what he has. When eventually he has his own place, he will need room for the workshop, for a gym, for a library, and for whatever else he needs to make sure he will excel in every task. His home is full of books on improvement, though not self-help books. More books that explain the mechanics of whatever he wants to improve in.
Right now, Leo gets his money by creating metal art work and selling replicas of armor and weapons to those who want to buy them. The items he sells are not fragile pieces that are cheaply made but items he puts his soul in to. Thus some of his funds are required to buy the correct materials to make his works. He also is renting out a workshop to make his items in. As stated before, he spends money on information on how to improve himself mentally and physically. He joins programs to explore different arts, whether that be artistic or martial arts. He considers them much the same. His comforts are limited but he does enjoy them.
Faber is not only willing to die for his ambitions, he is willing to kill for his ambitions. All walls must be broken down, all foes must be defeated. Not necessarily killed but he doesn't have an aversion to it. It's just that he doesn't feel it is worth it, yet. And it has been demanded so far, so that's nice. Maybe he'll come in contact with the law, maybe he won't. He won't stop anything from letting him achieve his dreams, though. He will ascend, no matter what it takes. His ambition is endless and his hubris has swallowed him whole. After all, you only have one life. If you haven't succeeded, whatever that means to you, well, can you say you've lived?