I would set aside at least 10-15% of CFBT until you have established a healthy reserve.Rerun your numbers using 12% vacancy, 10% maintenance, 10-12% PM, and a 10-15% reserve from CFBT.  

I've become pretty involved in my local RE community and I often find myself glancing around the room and smiling to myself.

I've had better success with treats than healthy items. :-)

Before you get started I'd recommend getting on a budget, paying off consumer debt, building a healthy emergency fund, then start saving for a down payment.

Commonly, there are actually some real expenses that lower the taxable amount, but in general, budget for the gain and smile when you get a refund.Say you do this again. 

For a deal to make sense using HML's there needs to be a very healthy profit margin, and the person borrowing needs to have something to add value if they are lacking in an area.

Denver has also seen a very healthy increase in wages, meaning that people can afford paying higher rents for new construction. 

Even when new workers come and "gripe about the rich kid owner", you will have built a loyal following that stands up for you.Everyone who works for me knows that I would outwork them in a heartbeat with a smile on my face, a good attitude, and would never ask someone to do something I wouldn't personally do.

Hi Ashley, I just wanted to say that as a former waiter of 8 years who has been struggling to relate to the podcast guests who all have healthy w2 income to qualify for traditional financing or relatives who loaned them money to buy their first live-and-flip or house hack, and who is now a real estate agent with commission-only income ... your podcast gave me hope.  

You just have to be created and have a healthy level of gall to ask for what you need.Cheers!