Kind of like if you are new to Chicago and ask your co-workers where to live, they all tell you their neighborhood, because that is what they know.Three things I suggest:1. 

You won't sell it if you didn't get permits as most municipalities require you to get a CO or the buyers will do an OPRA request and see you didn't pull permits.If you did electrical or plumbing without a permit, the walls will need to be opened up to expose the work.You won't be ready to sell in 3 months.

As for SW markets, ABQ is the "affordable" option as SoCal, AZ, and CO have become over valued making it difficult to find decent deals. 

I'm also a licensed agent in Colorado and that money goes to my "wants" like special trips, gifts, and money for my future rental properties.If I wanted to 100% live off my rentals and have no issues or concerns with money (reasonable quality of life), I'd want to be closer to 25-30 rental units.

Or they simply get tired of being on call with guests, 24/7 (yes, there are co-hosts and VA's, but that is another person to manage).We just took on a home that was previously owner-managed - it had tons of deferred maintenance and the calendar was 50% empty.

All great points from above and honestly the best why to get into investing is to do a House Hack/Co-Living.

They co-mingle funds or hold the opinion that it's "my money."   

Hi Everyone,I am on my 7th month in the market here in Denver.

Would they have to be co-signers on the lease?

Jonestown Bank and Trust Co. is the bank that I use for all my investment deals.