What would you do? First time home buyer/investor in Denver

[Kayla Givens]

Hey, Bigger Pockets People!

I'm writing my first post hoping for some ideas or insight into what you would do if you were in my situation. Currently, I am pre-approved for a conventional 3% down loan for up to $365k. As anyone in Denver knows, real estate is COMPETITIVE right now and we have submitted several offers for our first home but have been outbid. 

As a new investor, I do not know what is possible in my current situation. My thought right now is to get into one of the growing neighborhoods (west of 25, south of 6) and just get a property knowing that it will appreciate over time. 

If you were in my situation, what would you do? Would you buy a SFH? Townhome? Condo? Commercial? Help me understand what is possible and how I can start growing my portfolio.