I'm using a mortgage calucator to get the numbers but not sure if this monthly payment amount incldues property taxes (it asked me to put in the amount in the calculator before it spit out the monthly payment so Im guessing it did include, but to be safe I will add the taxes in again into my monthly expense).

Try using a skip trace service like ussearch.com to find where the people are currently living.

I am using a lot of other methods to find properties than just relying on agents, but they are definitely an important tool in my toolbox.Is anyone else running into problems finding properties in the Denver metro area?

Also, start using a new handyman on very small jobs to get to know him before giving him bigger jobs, or you need to get reference from those who employed him in the past.

For a new house, anything needing fixing shouldn't take long so in theory it would be cheaper to send a normal handyman.I've used American Home Shield in the past and they were good.In general though, it may depend on whether you are landlording yourself or using a property manager.

I also don't actually plan on using a PM at first, so that's all additional cash to me in the beginning, but I want to budget for it so I'm not losing money if I decide to use a PM later.I hear ya on the HOA.

The metric I really look at though is cash on cash return - again using a calculation based on my own assumptions and analysis.

John-Mark,2% is the maximum interested party contributions for an investment property when using a conventional loan.

However I have a situation I cant seem to find an answer to.We were able to acquire a 13000 sq ft commercial multiunit building using a professionals  (doctor, lawyer, etc) loan with no money down at less than 5% APR amortized over 30 years.  

You can do private money lending using a home equity line of credit interest only loan.