Doing them beforehand is a gamble.

As a result, I have chosen to have my properties in good/great school districts, 'everyman' type of 3/2's, single story. 

Well chosen affordable properties I purchase in reasonable vacation or other markets with fair zoning close to me, not remote, not needing property managers, no gimmicks, no Arbitrage, no complex shaky strategies, etc.

My architect who has been in this town for 40+ years has told me to pass on any property needing a varience in Denver due to the difficulty.This one seems like a gamble to be honest.

They pushed for our offer to be chosen.

If you feel confident in your own evaluation, and if you're in a competitive situation then a no inspection offer can be the deciding factor of whether your offer is the chosen one.  

It would be a long term hold, but I can see the gamble working out.

@Taryk Baylor once you’ve chosen how you are going to advertise I recommend getting professional pictures with virtual staging.

Once you build a small portfolio of solid rentals, then maybe take a gamble at something more risky.

If REI is your chosen endeavor after the Corps, work on building your real estate skills and a great team  with subs, agents, attorneys, etc.