Is this an opportunity for mid western cities with better access?  

., know that tenant cannot authorize work, only provide access, and that I will make myself available by phone/text/email, whatever they prefer, to discuss options while there to avoid future service calls if possible. 

(If it makes a difference for access to resources, we're in Denver, CO.)

My girlfriend isn't happy living here due to wanting more space, a yard, not having to go up 2 flights of stairs, etc. etc. and wants to buy a "forever" home asap, but is also opened to a house hack situation where we buy a fixer upper.

So 3 units but 4 floors of living space. 

Jason DiClemente unfortunately I am not a realtor.John Thedford how do I get access to the MLS?

I worry that it will be hard to find good tenants because most families that need that much space either 1) already own a house, 2) can't afford such a large apartment or 3) can afford an apartment that large short term, but long term will end up inviting their extended family, etc. to live with them because they have so much space and can't make rent on their own.The only good potential type of tenant I can think of is a middle-class family that needs non-permanent housing -- e.g., professionals who are in the area for a year for work and want a large space to rent for that period.

Greg you have some good experience with the business of rehabbing or refurbishing living spaces.

RLTO is not clear since it grants right of access to a landlord but not sure whether we can let contractors in.

If you have access to the MLS you can search for any homes that sold for cash and call/email those buyers and ask if they would like to be added to your buyers list.