What I love about your post is your gradual build into different investing strategies.

The second option is to gradually do it.

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.

What's the best way to divest an apartment asset for an older owner who wants the best for their family is Option #11) hand down asset to children via a willOther options:2) Sell outright and pay taxes3) Exchange into a 1031 fund (Merrill Lynch has a 1031 exchangeable index fund starting at $500k I believe)4) Contract for deed, pay recapture now and taxes gradually (maybe 2nd best option).

We lived in it for 4.5 years and did little things gradually to bring it to life: new carpet in a bedroom, new bamboo floor in another bedroom, patio area with a pergola, seal coated the driveway, etc.

You'll gradually get to know people in the area and every new person I meet I find out what skill-sets they have and save them in my phone just in case.

Keep reading listening and learning here and gradually it will start to become more clear. 

When it comes to building a team, remember that it’s a gradual process.

Start informing them about your real estate plans and begin to gradually educate them, if they don't have any prior experience, on investing in real estate and how they can either be the bank or an equity partner on a deal.

Welcome to BP Tim GrenierSince you are new Check out the Free Beginners Guide Keep reading here an it will gradually become more clear which direction to go.