The obvious answer, since you are in Colorado, would be a UDS.
You can buy one like a Pit Barrel Cooker (500 or so??) or make your own.
(I have about $150 in mine, but I had tools and extra grates laying around.)
And the PBC has more features and is way nicer.
I'd start with boneless, or bone-in (NO skin) pork shoulder, also known as Boston Butt or Shoulder Butt. Do that on the cheap, forgiving meat a bunch of times
and learn your smoker and give pulled pork away to neighbors, friends, they will love it. Then try ribs, I'd do 2 racks of full spares at a time just to learn ribs.
They are easier and more lenient than St. Louis spares or baby backs. (imo).
Then try to cook BluDawg's Brisket.
Another cooker idea is an Insulated Cabinet like a Humphrey's pint.
Since you are in Colorado.
There are others out there, good luck.