Denver's biggest points of migration are LA, SF, and New York.

THAT is the biggest difference I see between people that crush it and those that are always struggling to get the next homerun deal.

Lots of good advice above. 98 percent of wholesalers don't even know how to evaluate rehab costs and have no access to get the true ARV and don't care either way, they are just trying to make the biggest spread instead of finding the best win-win scenario.

HUD also allows the seller to receive a $3,000 relocation incentive which can be used to pay the junior, and there have been times where I have had the buyer contribute towards junior liens. 

(My transparent advice) The biggest question is, WHY would you want to entertain an offer from one of these companies?

In addition to the workmanship, you want to work with someone who is good at managing time, people and his relationship with you, his client :-)    We are actually building out a network of approved contractors because one of the biggest pain points investors and landlords face in Philly is finding reliable solutions. 

For many investors, one of the biggest challenges is scaling.

I am also aware of doing a 1031 at some point.My biggest question is taxes if I were to sell.

You can definitely buy in all cash here in Chicago or anywhere, however, one of the biggest advantages (in my opinion) in real estate is using leverage.  

If they don't think they can win they have incentive to proceed and force you into a settlement that costs you your attornies fees and theirs.