Buying or renting a house in Denver

Hello all, I am a 23 y/o male renting an apt in baker right now and my lease is up in August. I am 100% not renewing and have been profusely searching for a house for rent outside of the city (preferably Thornton). I love the Thornton area but I am not opposed to others, nothing specific.

I have had such a hard time finding a house for rent within the $2k range, that also has a fenced yard. I only need something small so my husky can run around when I am busy doing things around the house just so she can burn energy and not be stuck inside. I have had zero luck, I would like a garage as well but not a necessity.

I started flirting with the idea of buying, but I don’t know that I’m ready to buy yet. I believe my income will allow it, but not sure I have the money for a hefty down payment yet. Work commute is not a problem for me, I have a company truck where gas and everything is already provided.

If I had to roughly estimate, before taxes I make between $85k-$100k per year, with the only debt I have being my truck payment ($400). I’m trying to figure out what my range would be if I were to buy and any other recommendations for if I rented, as well as any other information like potential mortgage payment, taxes, loans, etc.

It would be my first home purchase, and I’m not in a rush to buy at all (I was planning to rent for a year or two to save more) but wasn’t sure where to really go from here, sort of just lost. I know I’m young and have lots of time, I would like to just take the right steps to setting up my future.

I also have a partner who I don’t know would be put onto any paperwork, but regardless would also be helping out with money and such. She makes around $40k a year I believe but will be getting a better job soon.