My ultimate goal with REI is to be able to hold a portfolio of multi-family and single-family homes and my main method would be the buy-and-hold strategy.  

And by hard money I also include other cash methods such as personal cash/HELOC to buy the home then get another loan on it later VS just taking that loan out up front?  

And you'll constantly have to adapt to the current markets and laws.

They will always get around to it anyway and this information can be assertained by other methods.  

Looking to build a small portfolio in these markets by using the "burr" method of investing.

What are some cheaper yet effective marketing methods I can start out with?

I'd challenge you to find a cash flowing SFR anywhere in Fort Collins with conventional purchase methods.

Note that this other REI may have great credit, but is doing the BRRRR method...and has hit their limit on mortgages.Here's what you would gain from this:1 - A percentage of the cash flow from the finished Rental2 - Experience on all phases of the process, from beginning to the end (this is a required part for the use of your credit), as an observer.  

@Ozzy SirimsiI've never done the BRRR method, but I imagine it could work.

In sum, investing retirement funds in real estate is another method of growing your retirement account.