Paying down debt & improve credit score or just buy a rental prop

[Michael Delgado]

Hi all,

I am 39 years old and currently living in NYC.  I am looking to jump into my first rental property... of course, outside of NYC.  I currently have a credit score in the low to mid 6s and have roughly 25k in unsecured debt.  My question is, should I pay down my debt to increase my credit score and debt to credit ratio or should I get the rental property investment train moving since I am pushing 40 lol.

Thanks all,

Mike