After the house sells, look in the public records to see who purchased.

Jon -While I agree that for most people in most situations, a house is *NOT* an investment, I also think that that your analysis above for the value of a low-interest loan is actually a great argument for why more people *SHOULD* be buying homes and taking out a loan.While not everyone will be able to take the money and generate a significant enough return that the result will be substantially beneficial, there are a lot of people (like most of us here on BP) that have the right mentality to make that achievable.Again, for the general public that has little expertise, interest or experience with investing, I completely agree with you.

Losing an occasional deal is just a cost of doing business and I don’t expect to be paid for every phone call (Yes, I’m exaggerating).This topic was also covered at length in this thread: http://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/22/topics/65735-how-to-verify-private-and-hard-money-lendersThere are many problems you can protect yourself from.

I answered that I wanted to protect my assets.

As for Denver County auctions...In Colorado auctions are held by the public trustees of each county.Below is a link to the Denver County public trusteehttp://www.denvergov.org/clerkandrecorder/ClerkandRecorder/Foreclosures/tabid/437349/Default.aspxI have not attended Denver's Foreclosure Sale/Auction, but my experience is that the public trustees required a certified check(or other good funds) at the auction.I would certainly speak to expert before participating as it is a buyer beware (caveat emptor) purchase: -No guarantee that the foreclosing lien is in first position-No rights to inspect-Can be redeemed out by other jr lien holders after sale-Persons may still be living in the property and require eviction or other arrangements-Lessees may have a grace period to leave-All sales are finalI am not an expert and that is just my personal understanding.The aforementioned is personal opinion and none of the content should be considered a binding offer or agreement.

Closing the door on decades of tax free growth to protect against economic calamities that may or may not be realized is putting quite a few eggs in one basket.

There would be at least certain “screening and setback” regulations that are supposed to protect your property.

Investors are not a protected class, so this restriction is not "discrimination."

The area is very walkable with plenty of access to public transportation as well.

My business partner and I are hungry young investors seeking advice, on any topics ranging from taxes breaks, insurance, business credit, financing, asset protection, etc.