Is there anyone in the Denver area that knows the early stages for subdividing land or what professionals I should turn to in order to start collecting some basic info?

After 16 years in my career (RE broker) and 13 years as an investor, I'm at the equity growth stage as well. 

It sounds like you’ve been doing some serious groundwork with all the reading and research, which is such a strong start to your journey toward FI and retiring by 55.It’s awesome that you’re exploring real estate as an option, even if you’re not completely sold on being a landlord yet.

There are ways you could do this, but it sounds like you've already resigned yourself to the loss so I won't bother.

Never heard of Investor's Edge, but this sounds like a straight up scam.

The only thing that sounds out of the ordinary here is the water bill

Far too many get stuck in the "paralysis by analysis" stage, thinking they just don't know enough to get started.

I am the real estate professional and I worked with hard money lender This sounds like the exact same strategy a client of mind uses in Kansas City!

That duplex sounds like it has some potential, especially with your plan to live in one side and rent out the other—that’s a solid strategy.

I'm in the information gathering stage so any and all insight is greatly appreciated.