<prompt> Human: Dilemma I have been thinking of buying a duplex so I can rent out 1 unit and live in the other. I also need to start paying student loans off in December.nbsp;Reasoning: I live in a up and coming area that I could buy a duplex that would generate passive incomesomewhat passive and be a long term investment. nbsp;My situation: Full time job 43,000 a year before taxes, about 35k take home Freelance 15,000 25k before taxes. Planning on 15k to be safe this year and for the foreseeable future if not more. About 50k take home per yearnbsp; Student loan payments 370mo stardard 10 year plan, 35,500 total Rent right now 550mo Car payment 65monbsp; Single, 24 years old I have 20,000 saved beyond emergency funds.nbsp;Questions Should I put the 20k towards the student loans or a duplex? How can I decide if this is a good move financially? Do I need more information to get advice?nbsp;tl;dr I could pay off a good portion my student loans but want to buy a duplex to live cheaper along with investing in a duplex that will generate passive incomesomewhat passive and be a long term investment.nbsp;How do I decide what to do? nbsp;Thanks for any advice or perspective!Edit:Thanks everyone for taking time to answer. Appreciate it, it will weigh in my decision.  <response>: Pay off the loans. Its a sure thing. Playing landlord sounds great, but can be a huge pain in the ass. Once youre debt free, you can revisit the duplex idea if it still sounds like something you want to do. 