Buy a SFH or Pay off Primary Residence? (Newbie in Portland, OR)

[Joel W.]

Hi Everyone, 

I'm very new to real estate investing and wondering if anyone has any idea/thoughts/suggestions on whether I should buy a SFH or wait until I've paid off my primary residence. I've been reading a lot of books, listening to podcasts, and reading posts on here to educate myself.

My wife and I make roughly $220,000/year from our jobs (also have Airbnb income of $10,000, but that's non-existent right now), and our jobs are fairly secure. We have/had $350,000 in our 401ks (last time I checked in January), and owe about $320,000 on our residence. We do not own any other properties or assets, or have any debt.

 I'm fairly financially conservative and a minimalist, and don't want to over-leverage myself. I want to retire early. I think this may be a once-in-a-decade opportunity to get some really good deals, though. 

Thoughts on a way forward, and educational materials, etc., would be appreciated.  

Thanks, 

Joel

[Jay Hinrichs]

Well this is basically a landlord rentals investment real estate site.. so that will be the slant that you will see with the reply's you will get if the thread gets some traction.

hard to pass up a great deal though if it comes along.. Not sure how this market is going to be this summer..  PDX market remains very tight on inventory..