We live well, have a nice house which I built from the ground up and saved 200k off the top. 

If I were your age, I would 100% do a house hack of some kind.  

It's one of the last few "affordable" areas near downtown Denver.Are you buying as a primary residence, looking to house-hack with the studio out back? 

Section 8 may seem like a home run but I've seen houses destroyed in a years time, I would steer clear. 

I replaced my old water softener with an AQUASURE from Home Depot, and it works just as well as the one I had before (which came with the house).

He's an experienced agent. landlord, he has his own Airbnb house in Covington and he understands that part of NKY really well.

I'm a beginner and I'm looking for tips on how to perform a proper market analysis on houses to buy and hold long term and rent out.Right now I'm looking through all the MLS websites and finding properties in locations and within my price range.

I am looking at different loan options but to break even (not having to put any money of my own in the house after the initial down payment) the current down payment required is that much. 

In addition, a strong property management company will tackle all aspects of marketing, application, ensuring resident satisfaction, fair housing, handling late payment/evictions, renewals, etc. 

My wife and I got a duplex downtown and are house hacking one unit.