New dentist: balance between paying student loans & beginning REI

[Eric Palmer]

Good morning BP! First post, here’s my intro: I’m a new dentist finishing a 1 year residency training soon, the plan is to then work in a group private practice for 2-3 years then become a practice owner.

One big question I have right now (maybe specifically for other dentists, but welcoming all comments) is the following: My wife and I are interested in learning about and beginning REI, especially rental income properties. Because dental school is so awesome, my student loan balance is $380k. For theses first years in my dental career, how do you recommend I balance the following:

A) pay down extra student loan balance

B) begin using that cash for REI