If you want a solid investment that hedges against inflation, real estate is it. It is on sale in many parts of the country. If inflation kicks in, the value of houses generally follows. Imagine getting 10-15% on your investments. That would be housing.
Your best bet is to put as much down as possible, if not pay for it outright. Even if you finance, the interest rates are low for now. Even still, finance it at as short of a term as possible, be it 10, 15 or at most 20 years. If interest rates jump, as they likely could, getting in now is a great bet.