@Henry Clark We're in hot pursuit of a new lot.

If you allow it, BP can be the ultimate resource in your pursuit of success in your real estate endeavors.

Improve the quality of your pursuit, and you're likely to see an improvement in the quality of your results.

All the best in your investing pursuits! 

My long term goal is to be able to quit my job (still would want to work but at pursuits that I thoroughly enjoy and not have to be reliant on an income initially) and have an income that supports my living & travel throughout the world. 

You can learn and team w/experienced folks in a more active pursuit or if limited on knowledge, time and significant dollars you could diversify into several value add apartment syndications that are in markets you covet. 

It is from THAT position that you will be easily able to purchase a first investment property (or house-hack) and begin the gradual acceleration of your savings rate in pursuit of financial freedom.You are wondering if it makes more sense to work on being debt free or to try to establish better credit in the meantime.

If you are focused on appreciation, at the expense of cashflow, then you are increasing your risk in pursuit of a net worth jump through equity (not good, not bad, just a trade off).

This pursuit of perfection can lead to analysis paralysis, as it becomes challenging to find a property that meets all criteria.

I understand feeling overwhelmed with a new pursuit, but as you learn those overwhelming feelings will disappear.