Quote from @Phillip Austin: One of the best examples I found this year as to why you need a property manager (especially in Colorado).

thanks Denver, I will reach out to Jeff. 

Have you tried looking into co-brokering the deal? 

Getting a mother-in-low to co-sign is not the answer.

@Ben Callahan, you could find a partner who is looking to buy a similar property, be a co-signer to your partner, and have that person live in it and be a primary resident. 

See theolivejar(dot)co for her website.She is an LA-based STR designer who has helped a lot of clients get to the level they need to.

I should have mentioned that I am out of state in Colorado and I'm not connected yet to contractors that I trust to do a rehab.

I have a furnishing and design team to help out if you’re not wanting to come down personally and I also co-host at a discounted rate for my clients.  

This will get you 90% of the way there and should be sufficient.It works the same in a saturated area, it's just more to sort through.You are aware that STRs in Denver are allowed only in certain zones and you must live onsite?

I would like to purchase a co-living space or duplex this year.