And I've taken numerous economic classes.

They recently placed a tenant in a C class property of mine and after 3 months they allowed the tenant to break the 12-month lease if they left the property in good condition/clean and he returned all but $200 of their damage deposit (used to change locks/clean property).

This is a great place to connect with folks and learn more about the asset class. 

Denver is a unique market due to the location near world class skiing and the general dynamic of Colorado.  

The "hottest" class action lawsuits against landlords are denial of housing to those with criminal convictions. 

Also considering the properties she owned are upper class with A+ tenants likely...what real day to day management would there be if any lol?

Here's the way that I look at it.Almost every asset class has some level of unpredictability or volatility this includes the housing market.

Best way is absolutely to get pre-approved or speak with a lender about current market rates for your asset class.

You might simply be outbid by individuals who can put down 40% or more.Consider looking at asset classes that aren't in a feeding frenzy right now. 

My advice is try to be in a B Class neighborhood or worse case C+ class.