People assume you need a big income to homestead. You need low fixed costs. We paid off 100% of our consumer debt first, and it changed every number that came after.
The payoff order
Highest-rate balances first, smallest balances for momentum second — pick the method you will actually stick with. The interest math favors rate; human psychology favors momentum.
Why it matters for land
Every dollar of monthly debt payment is a dollar a lender counts against you and a dollar you cannot put toward carrying the property. Clearing it did more for our buying power than a raise ever would.