If living at home would allow you to pay off that debt as s me quickly as you say, I would definitely pay that off first . . . then move to a rental unit.

I've rented all my life, and it saves me a lot of worries. Try to find an apartment where you rent directly from the owner. If the owner likes you, you won't see your rent go up every year like in the big complexes. Don't be afraid to live in a low rent neighborhood. I've gotten terrific deals in areas like that. And you'll get more space for the money.

Do that for a year. Then think about buying a house. You'll learn a lot during that year.