My wife and I have decided we want to continue looking for deals here in Denver and want to generate a rental portfolio in the long term. 

You'll still need an operating agreement and such if it's a partnership).Good luck! 

Tax benefits' aside - it is the most expensive way to operate a vehicle.  

Obviously, that can be a disaster.Also, there are lots of rules about how to operate an LLC so that it actually protects you from personal liability.  

Read the blogs and continue to contribute on the forums.

The area I operate in are homes built 50-100 years ago.

The reason I sold was that I was self managing and moved too far away to conveniently manage it.I have continued with multis on the premise that more units under one roof, one structure to maintain, and one set of plowing produces a better return. 

Target industries include IT/data, logistics/warehousing and advanced manufacturing.South Bend being a college town with several Universities/Colleges (Notre Dame obviously being the largest one) creates student housing opportunities for approximately 20,000 plus students among all the institutions.All this spells opportunity and many out of town, out of state and even international investors have and continue to try and claim their stake.As indicated by @Immanuel Price and @Aaron Linden the University of Notre Dame in partnership with the City of South Bend has contributed a lot to the revitalization of the City that is bringing new jobs and the need for new housing.

You also have to have a location within you home or a office period to get their service as the information is sensitive and they must know you are operating a business so make sure you have at least a llc. 

Also I would suspect Within sfh that if an area close by is popular or up and coming you should see some uptick in demand for your sfh and you shouldn't see the fire sale mentality that you get every so often when one you have a unit in a condo type setting for example that you're trying to get rid of.I think it's a great idea for you that continue to take your time improve your skills and knowledge of Real Estate and then proceed forward once you have a greater level of comfort so kudos to you.