There is DIG though (Diversified real estate investment group) which I heard was good/nearby, but it's a paid membership group. 

What are nearby rentals using?

Homes near by have an ARV of around 80k, and all the numbers work out as long as rehab costs are around the 20k range.

Check out the nearby members and network https://www.biggerpockets.com/meet , it will help you a lot to find partners that can help you out in investing.

When I met him for coffee, he literally took me to 3 projects (5 minutes away) going concurrently nearby -- one starting, one about halfway through, and one nearing completion. 

On top of the HELOC I could take out, I also have about $100K in stockpiled cash and another $100K I could take out as 401k loans.

There are two investment clubs near by you in lax one run by the love’s and one run by Lloyd segal.

I'd recommend the following ideas:1) If you can't find great deals right now, stockpile as much cash as you can and keep it ready for when the market turns a little south (this is the second longest bull market we have ever had for the stock market, so it will go down and pull housing with it a little).2) Try different approaches.

My investments are not local to Denver so unfortunately I don't know if any accommodations nearby but there are others on BP that are invested locally, e.g.

Some will give you a key, others will give a key to a friend nearby.