Selling my car for the cash

[John Paul Whaley]

Right now I drive a $30K car. I am thinking of trading it in for a $15K-20K car to put some cash in my pocket to start investing in real estate. 

I am wondering what a lender would prefer to see on an application. Someone with $10K in savings with zero debt, or someone with $20K in savings and a small car payment around $250-$300/month?

Thanks everyone!