@Dyami Pike I first analyzed my existing budget to determine what I was spending my money on...unsurprisingly, the three biggest expenses were my housing, my vehicle, and eating out....so, I moved into a much cheaper rental with housemates, I sold my car, and I stopped eating out, and I saved.

Railings, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, deadbolt locks, etc. 

personally, I believe real estate holds more value in as a wealth-vehicle for long term investing, so I would leverage my cash-on-hand more with the 25/100 equity in two properties VS 50/100 in a larger property.Obviously lots of variables, but I am still early in my investing career, so I would go the more aggressive route with hopes that time could clean up any mistakes I make :)

As a result, vehicles like debt funds — which offer a high yield on a longer time frame — could be a more attractive option than a CD.

An example of something that becomes RE might be a tenant adding hand rails on steps, grab bars in a shower, cabinet hardware or a fireplace mantel.

I love the light rail aspect in both Arvada and Littleton, but as you mentioned Wheat Ridge neighbors the Highlands, Berkeley and Edgewater, not to mention its own commercial district on 38th. 

.• In a unanimous vote, the Nevada Department of Transportation's Board of Directors loosened up the high-occupancy-vehicle lanes running through Las Vegas.

Most condos/townhomes will assign you one or two parking spots, so make sure you are following these rules, as the HOA can impose many headaches for you parking additional vehicles.2. 

I am biased to some of the higher end markets located along the rail lines such as Summit, Maplewood, Chatham, Madison, etc....but would be open to other areas such as Bloomfield and Clifton to name a few.  

Will you have a vehicle that you can accommodate this with?