Should I focus on paying that off first before I invest or does it make sense to start my real estate journey and use the cash flow to help pay it off faster?

@Joe Carpyou can buy rentals with a DSCR loan, and they will not require W2 income like a conventional bankhowever, down payments will be 15-30%, so will use up your cash fasthow to scale as we sink money into each property is definitely a major challengei have done a couple successful BRRRRs that helped preserve capitalhope this helps

Without appreciation, your entire return is cash flow, and buying at a 6 cap with little to no real upside, means you will be making 6% on the deal.  

In this section, I want to emphasize the benefits of seller carry financing, share success stories where it enhanced the deal, and highlight the tax advantages of utilizing a 1031 exchange.Seller carry financing is a powerful tool that allows investors to purchase properties with flexible terms and minimal upfront capital.

We are looking to rehab a place and then do a cash out refinance.Thank you.

I've now repaid her the downpayment and want to Cash Out Refi for investment purposes.

David,Reach out to @Lucia Rushton I have worked with Lucia several times and as a seasoned agent she has an a solid track record of finding good cash flowing STR's. 

cash and private money JV How did you add value to the deal?

We also have them rules, just like y'all.Replacement will be another SFR  that will be the amount of the exchange if not more (out of pocket cash to fill that buffer). 

I've got maybe 20k in cash.