Can you invest in real estate if you have high student loans?

[Mohammed Milord]

Hi, I would really like to become a real estate investor, but I'm discouraged by my student loans. I understand that to buy my first property, your debt to income-ratio has to be good to get a loan. I currently have $74,723 in student loans and my current annual salary is about $29,250. I would like to invest out of state because I know the housing market is expensive in my area. Can you invest in real estate with my current obstacle?  What can I do to get started?

[Nathan Gesner]

I recommend paying off all debts before you start investing. If you can hustle, increase earnings, and pay off debts quickly, then that's evidence that you are fiscally disciplined and ready to invest and manage large amounts of money responsibly.

Why are you making so little as a college graduate? There are property management job openings in Long Island, NY right now that pay double your current salary. That means you could live like you currently live on $30,000 while paying $30,000 a year to student loans. You'll learn about managing rentals, pay off student loans in two years, and be ready to invest.