Newbie investor from Denver looking for house hack and cash flow

[Nicole Burke]

Hello BP! I've been lurking for a couple of weeks, taking it all in, and decided it was as good a time as any to introduce myself. My name is Nicole Roberge, I am 33 years old, and currently reside in Western Washington. However, I consider myself a Denver girl having grown up in the 'burbs, lived in Denver for 6 years, and moved away only 1 year ago. I'm also planning to move back in another year. I currently work in retail and was looking for a more profitable and rewarding way to spend my time when I found REI and BP. I don't make very much, so I hope to replace that W-2 income with rental income within a year or two. My boyfriend has a house in Denver that was bought in 2012 and has accumulated quite a bit of equity that we could use. We also have a sizeable amount of savings to put down on a property and no debts besides the mortgage (VA loan). I'd rather continue to rent that home and find a house hack in Denver when we come back combined with cash flow opportunities probably out of state. I know its risky, but I just haven't seen the cash flow in Denver that I am looking for and that isn't going to stop me from reaching my goals. I'll have the time to go and look in person. Anyway, I'm definitely in learning mode at this point and trying to figure out the best plan for me. So excited to be a part of this community!