Do I have to go through the associations property management services or could I hire someone independently?

You can learn to do this independently or get a rockstar REALTOR to lead the way.

If rents fail to pace with the cost of living, your financial independence will be short-lived.Persistent: Your rental income will last a long time, you will not outlive your income.What are the consequences of buying in a city where rental rates do not outpace inflation?

I'm hoping to find an existing independent PM or franchise to acquire in the next 18 months in the Denver area.   

You can learn to do this independently or get a rockstar REALTOR to lead the way.

I'm a partner in an Independent Agency that represents Steadily along with many other companies. 

You can learn to do this independently or get a rockstar REALTOR to lead the way.

Own a few rentals and hoping to be on my way to financial independence soon 

There’s going to be sellers suing their own agents for refusing to work with independent buyers. 

Step by step you are working your way to being an independent player where you can do the deal on your own eventually.