Get another job to stockpile your down payment.

I am stockpiling cash, and paying down debts, to buy land at auctions to get ready for this, as I think those will be the first properties to get unloaded.

This way less is put down and you stockpile cash for the next downturn.The thinking is that when economic down cycle happens more deals might be available but lenders and banks will also tighten up LTV's and want more down to do a deal.

Unless you have an endless stockpile of cash, your investment strategy will stop short (especially for younger investors). 

Maybe even find someone to partner / apprentice with so I can start stockpiling the knowledge and hands-on experience to get this ball rolling. 

Some bigger investors that I know are stock piling cash and have been suggesting others do the same. 2018 may seem some changes in the market. 

Let is stockpile to handle that speed bump down the road.

However, does anyone have any advice as to whether or not I should just tackle these loans as fast as possible or consider stockpiling money (while making minimum payments on loans) to launch myself right into REI?

I don't know your market but I would stockpile cash as you learn more.

For me, I chose a major/masters program (supply chain management) that would allow me to enter the workforce above the median salary and begin to stockpile cash for deals.