Debt to income ratios are an important factor in the approval process. Unless they haven't calculated your income correctly, 72k might be your maximum.
It is worth chatting with another loan officer to see if you can qualify for more.

Melinda,
You need to get off of that particular home. It sounds t me like you are not talking to a loan officer that does FHA loans.
You need to not do any more credit pulls until you find a local loan officer that does FHA and USDA loans.
Then you need to let them know what the other loan officer told you your credit score (FICO) was and how much money you have, answer a few more questions and find out what may be possible.
If they tell you you may be able to purchase a home for ???? and that it will take so much to do so and you have that amount , then sign up with them , do the credit work and pay what they need to get started.
Tell your Realtor that you need a home that will go FHA ( in certain condition) or USDA ( and only in certain areas) That the home must be no more than ???? dollars. Do not look at any homes you can not afford.
I have to everyday - You don't - it is hard to choose one when you keep looking at more expensive ones.
You will get a home if you slow down, Good Luck - You are taking a very important big step.
Margaret