House Hacking in Denver

[Ian K.]

Hello,

So I wanted to throw out the to the group my situation to see what you would do.  I own two homes in the Denver metro area.  My primary has about $150K in equity and a rental with 100K in equity.  I want to move into a third home using 5% down that will eventually be a future rental and rent my current home.  House hacking leap frog style. 

How would you go about acquiring the third home in the crazy real estate world of Denver?

I want a 3/1 minimum and close to the city = pricey!

I'm trying some direct mail marketing to absentee owners in the area that I want to live already.

I'm intrigued by the idea of a live in flip if it is mostly cosmetic. 

I can't imagine a whole seller would deal with me and my bank issues though. 

I thought about using a HELOC to be able to put 10% down on a duplex because in the areas where I would want to live most duplexes require a Jumbo loan (425K+)

I would love to hear your thoughts and what you would do in my situation, from the creative to the boring. 

Thanks