Also, the last 2 pre-foreclosures I did, the sellers had no interest in people parading in and out of their house so they just wanted to sell it quickly and was willing to let it go at a discount.Their are unscrupulous people in all walks of life and professions - let's  judge each other on our own merits and deeds instead of the occupation we find ourselves a part of.  

You are right, a lot of new people that go at it recklessly much things up for the legitimate people.  

I would definitely recommend starting in your backyard, for a couple of reasons... 1) You make an easy transition into a rental by converting your current primary, meaning it's low risk for you.2) If you get a multifamily or something that acts as a multifamily you can also subsidize your housing payment and put more savings into your pocket. 3) You get to take advantage of the high appreciation of Colorado, which is one of the major building blocks for wealth.I would definitely get set up with an investor-minded agent, and lender that can help guide you in your search so that you don't have to go at it alone. and plan to get into something this fall/winter and get a low risk way to figure out if you like to be a landlord.

I will continue to do my due diligence and research to see if I am going to go with her suggested companies or continue to go at it on my own.

Seems like Multi units go at a premium in Salt Lake, Utah and Davis county.