Paying off a home may have 2-3% yield, where as normal index is like 4-6% and the rest of the world can operate from 6%-?? in more traditional (but fee laden) vehicles. As far as I can see, a home is SAFE investment by not a progressive one, in choice.
If you are risk averse, then fine. However, we want 6-10% with compounded / low-fee returns over the course of 30+ years if starting around age 30 - which is I bet the average saving age start (thinking first kid, first house, marriage etc) when you get out of that 20's fun-house zone.
I'd say, 401K/IRA (to keep the tax burden off you), then hit up local start-ups in the industry you know the most about, then start working towards passive income. If you are the start-up TYPE, then start like Adam Houghton and do the 6-Starups in 6-Months adventure. (https://medium.com/@adam_c_houghton/6-startups-in-6-months-8...).
I honestly think its investing in yourself until you can be yourself - aka. fake it till you make it in investing by traditional path until you can eject from it .
Investing is a game of self-confidence and getting on with it. Me -> following that 6-mo/6-starups plan as of 6/1. Wish me luck!!!