Also, I've spent so much money in the stock market without good returns, I'd much rather be investing in physical things that have value.Leland

I go too witc in rice lake for occupational therapy.

I am sure you and the large majority of investors make adequate capital expenditures in order to maintain their asset's physical condition for much longer than 30 years but creditors do not like to count on that as a given.

Granted, you are brokering a promissory note and not the physical property, but the note is secured by that particular note.

Be as nice as possible to the Constable so you do not get put on the bottom of the stackHave 3-4 people lined up to do the physical move out if needed.

There are of course other benefits to a physical asset investment that does not come along with a note investment and there are also expenses that do not come along with a note investment that are realized in a physical asset investment.  

Is anyone aware of any investor groups in the area that physically meet up

I can't make any recommendations as far as Sheriff Sales (go to www.bcsd.us and click on "Civil Process") as I have never participated in one.However, through experience I've learned that when homes are going through the pre-foreclosure/foreclosure process, the owners continue living there, without paying the monthly mortgage, until they are physically thrown out. 

I can't find any faults physically (realtor did a walk through already) and will rely on our inspection for due diligence.

@Devang PatelI would suggest considering investing your retirement funds in physical real estate and/or trust deeds.