Newbie strategy question

[Josh Best]

Looking for advice: I am a newbie to the REI world. I have been working towards paying off debt for the past 9 months. I have $73k down and another $75 to go (Mostly school loans). I have a $1128 in debt payments + an additional $4-5k to pay down principle.

The way I see it, I have a few options.

1. Save up the $4-5k every month until December, giving me a nice chunk to Invest in at the new year.

2. Start using my $4-5k to get my foot in the door with as many opportunities as possible. (Buy and hold in Midwest.)

3. Pay off debt to decrease the $1128 and add it to my investments at the new year.

I appreciate the advice!