1. **State the problem:** Find the limit $$\lim_{x \to 0} \frac{x^2 - 8x}{x}$$. 2. **Recall the limit and simplification rules:** When evaluating limits involving rational expressions, simplify the expression first if possible to avoid division by zero. 3. **Simplify the expression:** $$\frac{x^2 - 8x}{x} = \frac{x(x - 8)}{x}$$ 4. **Cancel common factors:** $$\frac{\cancel{x}(x - 8)}{\cancel{x}} = x - 8$$ 5. **Evaluate the limit by direct substitution:** $$\lim_{x \to 0} (x - 8) = 0 - 8 = -8$$ 6. **Final answer:** $$\boxed{-8}$$