Wise to Pay Off Credit Debt Before 1st Investment?

[Kate B.]

Hello,

I'm a newbie when it comes to real estate investing. I'd like to purchase my first investment property in the next year or so and am currently trying to do as much research as I can to get prepared.

I'm conflicted in whether I should use my savings to pay off my credit card debt or just keep the savings for a down payment.  My debt to income ratio is pretty high right now. I also have a school loan, but I'm just making my regular payments on that. I figure that if I can pay off my credit debt, that will definitely help my debt to income ratio. However, to do that I'll have to use most of my savings and be at square one again when it comes to a down payment. So confused as to what to do!

What are your thoughts? Thanks in advance!