Student Loans vs Real Estate

[Sergio Sanchez]

I have recently started doing research on how to get involved with real estate investing and brought up the idea to my girlfriend.  She is in the mindset that I should pay down my student loans before getting into real estate.  I have about $30,000 in student loans.  She thinks that I won't get approved for any loan in order to make a purchase.  

I believe that with doing more research I will find a way to finance a deal.  Like it has been mentioned in the podcast and in other posts that if I find a deal the money will come.  If I am able to flip a house and make a profit I then can use some of that profit to pay down my student loan.  

I am 30 years old and currently own a lawn care business. I am projected to make about $30K next year.  Still a pretty young company.  Not sure if these details matter but wanted to include them.

So my question to you all is, should I look for a deal or pay down my student loans first?