For me, with the new tax laws limiting the amount of mortgage interest on your primary home that is deductible, we would always select to pay down or off our primary mortgage.

If you haven't put the best possible,  experienced people around you, I might suggest getting involved with your local real estate investment groups...many of these people will have experience and contacts that could help walk you through the steps required to make this project safe and profitable or to show you why it might be something to walk away from. 

They also have great insight on what is popular for your local market, that you can use to boost the listing.Also, take a good hard look at your property, decor and popular amenities help far more than hosts realize.

Are you planning to invest locally in Texas or are you open to investing out-of-state?

The cost and timeframe for evicting squatters can vary depending on various factors, including the complexity of the case, local legal procedures, and the squatters' cooperation.

But if the newbie won’t put the effort in to learn (1) the principles of real estate (2) real estate law and basic real estate finance I won’t make the effort to share the benefit of my knowledge and experience. 

this would let you go to REIA meetings and network, look at properties in person, drive neighborhoods, meet locals, and build a network.with interest rates and prices high, investing right now is taking extra work, creativity, or both. 

@Stephanie Cortez lots of great real estate groups like DIG that will super charge your local knowledge and contactd

If you focus on learning over the next year and going to local meetups, you will be very ready to buy as your finances increase.

Plus, you can build a network of trusted local contractors for maintenance and repairs down the line.