Apparently I just missed a small window to argue my tax bill for another 8 months. 

If I'm one of the first people looking at it or if I have a direct line to the seller, I might try to get an idea of the price range before I go.

Small duplexes in need of work appear to be obtainable for around the high-300s to mid-400s.

If you can find someone with experience that brings that amount to the table and then you do a small loan for the remainder of what you need, then I think it's more than reasonable.

House hacking is great for an organized and responsible college student because you can do it in a small single-family and rent rooms to your friends who probably all want to get off campus or into a better house, or you can get a multi, room hack with you on your side, and room hack the other side and make more money.

It is the most common contract I have seen, or speak with an attorney and have them draw one up specifically for your needs that may be a little shorter if you are speaking with sellers directly. 

I'm also aware of the hard money approach, but do not know details of how that works.I'm hoping to gather some community insight on this so please don't hesitate to leave a comment or even reach out directly.

Direct from seller, the MLS and a lot on Facebook market place. 

Small enough but experienced enough to have good referrals (the profile pages of QIs here on BP can get you started) means you'll be in good hands since at the largest QIs in the country your experience will be dictated by the sales manager assigned your file and not necessarily a senior consultant.You've had a good experience with yours to date.

.- Use that liquidity to purchase real estate or take shots at small business entreneurship.To more directly answer your question though, I think that the “live in flip” is one area that seems appealing right now, in Denver.