Pay rent vs pay mortgage note

[Glen Kaisha]

Not sure if this question has already been asked and answered but- I’m interested in investing in rental real estate however, I’m torn between becoming a renter or paying a mortgage note. I live in New York where renting in some areas costs more than a mortgage note. I planned on getting an inexpensive condo or coop in an area outride of where i live but I’m not sure how this will affect my goal of getting into rental property investing. Can someone advise on which would be the best route to take if I want to get started in rental property investing?