just curious, what happens when a tie rod actually breaks?
 

lose control of steering for that wheel?

i think so
 

it depends on how it "breaks". My front right tie rod broke after hitting a pothole going about 90 mph and it would veer to the right uncontrollaby. For sure your alignment will way off. Do you mean the whole rod or the tie rod end?

and possibly flop into wheel... bad things

talking about the tie rod end. i guess i better inspect mine pretty soon.
 

i hate living in an apartment without a personal garage/tools.

If it just broke in two without instigation, that would be a first.
 

When they fail, the ball joint has excess play, but eventually the numb steering and noise will drive you to change it.

yeah, veering to one side will be the sign
 

tire wear as well if not fixed soon(learned hard way)

yeah, i just recently noticed my steering is getting super light

You crash.

Yes. This happened to me.
 

Keep in mind the car will still handle, but the wheel and the upright decide that they want to have the laws of physics apply to them. Very unpleasant experience.

I just got mine changed, for full job only $470
 

That included parts, labor, alignment, and they also changed the oil and installed my drive train stabilizer.

Definately can be a safty issue, if you mess up you tie rod you could loose control of your car.