I have attended local meetups so that I can have a handful of experienced folks who have resources to share.  

I think you're probably best leaving your IRA alone for all the reasons folks mentioned.

U invest in the fund and there is no debt ahead of you you own the debt free and clear the only risk is they buy the wrong debt and the underlying collateral does not support the investment.. which is why you go with folks that have a lot of experience in the space and now how to value the collateral.

I've worked with several folks in Missouri that have done similar deals with the STL and KC land banks. 

Furthermore, if you are working on refinancing sixth and investment properties at once, I would put all my focus and energy on working with one lender or one broker who can get you the best terms for cheaper cost all your business to one place typically when I see folks do they save a bit on processing these and origination fees.

I live in Colorado and I'm going to see if I can find a direct way to check folks background through the courts.

Most are folks that have the emotional control of a 5 year old, controlling attitude, an omniscient narrative in every thread & topic, act like an online hall monitor, and constant attention seeking. 

I think so many folks maybe are looking at these deals like its passive investing etc.

If you are nearby, if you have ever been a pizza delivery person, maybe deliver a pizza to the wrong house that may or may not be the one being foreclosed on so atleast you can see inside a small portion. we used to just go knock on the door some folks would actually let you look around.

We have about 22 full-time W2 employees in the office, approximately 40 traveling construction folks -- and managers and maintenance W2 employees at each community we own and operate.