With our price target of around $1M, we potentially save 25k-30k (minus broker split) in commissions.My wife is uncomfortable representing us since I have no experience as an agent.

Don't get me wrong, I value the learning, I'm not looking to cut corners...I just want direct apply to real world strategy with no upselling involved.

If you have no needs for financing - the process will be much easier .   

I am looking for a solution in which we can deposit checks from pictures of the checks.

It is true that does not apply to investment property, but what happened was that first time home buyers that did not qualify for a home loan were trying to circumvent that Dodd Frank rule by saying "oh, this is a rental property" (wink wink) and then move into it...basically creating a no-income verification loan.

No W-2, but you're right that carrying a W-2 makes this more difficult, for sure. 

I could never get them to acknowledge that the property was no longer two units.  

If such is the case, I'd walk away and continue the hunt elsewhere.If they will allow access, you may find that renovation was started but no permits were pulled and no inspections passed.

No time for a full lesson on this, sorry, but the point is: it does not necessarily reduce your taxes.If it does, it's not dollar-for-dollar.

@David RutledgeLike @Jeff Slusarz said, the city of Denver is a no-go for Airbnb investment, but you're right, there are a handful of suburbs that allow them and that have pretty good returns.