I don't know what types of players you'll be dealing with, but I've never found more than maybe one or two thinking players at any home game I've played.

I can't imagine in the least that blowing a buy-in would have any kind of good effect on your results. Especially since you should be one of the best players in the game.

Djz is exactly right: I can open-push preflop (into an unraised pot) the first hand I play in HOURS at my typical home game and get at the very minimum one call, usually two or more.