. - I would suggest posting here on biggerpocket in the classifeds section, on real estate Facebook groups, and find some local agents/wholesalers.Make the downpayment and interest whatever you want based on your current needs. 

There are still areas where you can buy units for $200k/ door but they require a lot of work usually and covering all operating expenses and interest payments can be challenging base on low-ish rent levels in some places.

It sparked a passion within me for real estate investing, particularly with the dream of building generational wealth.I'm based in the vibrant Denver, Colorado area and I'm reaching out to this community with hopes to connect and network with fellow investors.

How would you screen high quality tenants based on what criterial; credit score?  

I currently work as an electrician and can do just about any repair myself or know someone who can within a phone call.

Here's time & money an agent or PMC needs to spend to get a rental listed:1) Make sure it's clean2) Hopefully, take professional pics and just not use the camera-phone3) Take room sizes and note positives and negatives about the property4) Since most rentals aren't advertised on MLS, research multiple sources for rental comparables to determine rent.5) Write a GREAT ad for the property6) Syndicate or manually enter the ad on numerous websitesThen, once published for rent, how much time do you think they spend taking all the phone calls (most of them from idiots who don't take the time to read the ad), doing all the showings, chasing applications & supporting docs, processing applications?

We also provide some maintenance basics (emergencies listed above, and our phone/website to contact with typical maintenance) in WRITING and put it on their fridge for easy reference.

Adapt your approach based on the local conditions and keep refining your investment strategy as you gain experience.

If the phone isn't rigning, we are at least 10% too high. 

Not only are you new to lending, but - even if it was a secured loan - I"m guessing based on the amount it'd be in second position.