I have loans on all my properties and understand the power of leverage.

If you have a solid other source of income like a W2 and it is secure, and it can pay the bills, then this might be worth trying.

who I'm sure understands the intricacies of a real estate market 3,000 miles away in MA and would be totally invested in my success!

We understand your challenge. 

As for my Smokies properties I am experience something different than others and I will wait till May closes out and I have solid, unchanging and complete numbers (Gross, ADR, Occupancy %) to report what I am seeing versus previous years.  

From what i understand from looking around is that when you purchase a HOA/COA lien at the auction its subject to the mortgage, or any other liens that has superiority to it. 

If there was room to increase the value after purchase, then I would understand the approach. 

While the market in Denver seems to be solid, and everything I find in my research seems to confirm that, I'm unsure of what the rental market is like and for what demographics (family, students, traveling nurses).

It’s my understanding that a trust account not required for a short term rentals nor is a real estate license actually required for managing short-term rentals.

I don't see a prior Vacant Building Notice so from my understanding, I shouldn't expect to see a U&O.Here's an example:https://cels.baltimorehousing.org/TL_TM_MAP.aspx?