Pay off own home or invest in real estate?

[Jelani Tate]

Is it better to pay off your own home or start putting aside money for investing in real estate? I have been a home owner for 8 years and I have always paid an additional ~10% of the monthly mortgage every month towards the principal of the loan. Any thoughts to whether or not this plan will help achieve financial independence sooner, or should I put this 10% into building a real estate fund? True and honest opinions are always welcome. Thank you, Jelani