I wouldn't try finding a place you and your wife will stay in once she comes down, since you don't know enough about the location to know where that should be. Going down there early is going to help you figure that out, what you need is flexibility and low cost. I would start with craigslist, looking for a cheap rental with a roommate to share expenses with, finalizing something during your first two weeks down there. Finding something you can rent without a lease, or at least with a very short lease, will keep your options open. And if you do have a lease make sure you look at the cost to get out of it.
Make sure you are in a low cost area, someplace with a cheap grocery store close by you can walk to. Also if you are an outdoor person look for an area you can walk out the door and enjoy nature, I can't imagine living in CO and not enjoying what nature offers. And that doesn't mean living outside of town, it can be as simple as living close to a trail that leads out of town, you just don't want to be in an area that doesn't have quick easy access to nature if that is what you are going for.
Finally, if it was me I would consider van living. It isn't for everyone, and if you need space to work it might not be possible, but something to consider. You can find a good library and get your work done there using free wifi, so a small RV or van might be just right, giving you flexibility. Just something to look into.