or for a down payment for a real estate investment?

Typically, to pay down credit card debt, which typically has a high interest rate (10% and above). The only arguement here would be if you could earn a better percentage rate (after capital gains taxes, etc) on the real estate. For instance, if your CC is 10%. You would have to earn at least 10% plus inflation (say 3%) AFTER your taxes (capital gains if you are going to flip it OR rental income). So, if you can't do that for certain pay the credit card debt. And, you'll sleep better at night.

When dealing with personal finance your first obligation should be to paydown and remove credit card debt. Due to its high interest rate this is the worst kind of debt you can have. VEry few investments will return more than th interest you aer paying on your credit card. In addition if you do find an investment that pays more it is probably to risky for you to invest in. Get rid of your credit card debt and then start saving and investing. Good mutual funds are great for small investors.