Suggest you go the electric route--less or  no maintenance costs, and when repair is needed, inexpensive compared to most gas fired boilers or furnaces.I would also have a small natural gas wall space heater installed somewhere on the main living floor (not in bedrooms) just in case of power outage and / or for supplemental heating.  

.- He then sells me a portion of the LLC for $500K.I see some pros and cons to both scenarios, but I mainly want to make sure that I follow the established process.  

Wholesaling Lease Options will be our main niche in our REI business.

With the rental property, my main goal is to find a Duplex and house hack it, so I can learn how to be a landlord and get some experience under my belt. 

Mainly, I've been looking at the MLS and Zillow (FSBO) without much luck. 

My main question is, how would you tackle the situation if you are looking to build your portfolio in a tough market (Denver)? 

I want to rebuild homes, update them and get people living in better conditions, overall bettering the neighborhoods and attract businesses.

@Chris Wood - for me mainly time.

I'm not a foreigner national, but know of a product that is mainly for residential properties. maybe 2-4. interest rates are higher and the down payment is higher too.

If you invest capital gains in these zones then you can defer the gain until 12/31/26.Also if you invest in these zones before 12/31/19 and hold the investment for 7 years you do not record pay gains on the appreciation of the asset.The main criterion other than being in designated areas is that you have to either be the first user of the property or substantially improve the property.