Denver, CO- House Hacking or Affordable Ski Access Areas

[Frank Basile]

Hi everyone! 

I am hoping to get some advice on House-Hacking in the Denver, CO area. I currently live in Los Angeles, CA, and have managed to save up $35,000 in liquid cash for a down payment on a house. With Mortgage rates being as low as they are right now, and my willingness to make a company change within my Industry, it seems like this could be the best time to make the transition into homeownership in Colorado. 

My Primary goal is to live in a home in an area relatively accessible to the mountains, ski resorts, and the city. I would be comfortable paying $2,000/mo with Mortgage, PMI, Taxes, etc... In order to achieve my desired location, and not break the bank, it seems that I would need to possibly buy a property with potential as an ADU.

Is this the case? If not, please correct me and I would appreciate if someone could direct me to some towns that would potentially meet my expectations on what I would be able to afford? 

Also, are there any rules/regulations that I would need to be mindful of if I chose to, for example, buy a house with a basement and separate entrance to rent out? 

Please feel free to ask me any questions that might be helpful in providing some effective answers for me. 

Thank you so much!

Frank