BiggerPockets also has a calculator to analyze deals, and I highly recommend you start this as soon as possible, even if you are not ready to buy.

Denver is very expensive for a new guy who doesn't have loads of capital so a market like Missouri for example is intriguing for far cheaper real estate but then Id either have to move, improve the property remotely or simply buy and hold as a rental for X time. 

.: As a contractor and flipper, I dont buy materials from retailers or online.

Those that preach no/low down payments are mostly just trying to appeal to the masses who want everything for nothing that will buy their courses.

I feel as though your buy box puts you in a position for more flexibility. 

If you are just starting out, this is for you:When you buy an investment property, it is treated differently than a house you are going to live in. 

@Fabio Cattolico"if I could get an out of state property for a great price and the numbers seem promising, wouldn't it be good to start off like that if I'm in a place where buying is unaffordable?"

If you are worried about it, buy an umbrella insurance policy for $1 million and sleep easy. 

Buying My First RentalI was 24, being mentored by Dave for two years and I was ready to jump into real estate investing for myself.

@John Lasheri agree with you, you'd be surprised at how many people listen to Grant Cardone though, and decide that they're going to go buy a 100 unit with 'OPM' as their first deal and quit their job.i think buying something of that size with a few partners is a perfectly good goal.