First of all, it's pretty darned embarrassing to admit you've been had (and Kudos to those who are gutsy enough to admit it and share with others), second, scammers aren't above threatening their victims and their families. 

I feel that the only way I can really learn is either with a mentor or just going for it and resolve the problems while I'm embarrassing myself making beginner mistakes.

Fear of losing money, making mistakes, or embarrassing ourselves, all slow us down.  

It's not as impressive as you may think, I'm embarrassed to say I'm pretty lazy and haven't done a deal on my own because of laziness and a little bit of lacking the courage.

Well, I'm a bit embarrassed to admit this, but they heard about it because I listed the property for rent a few days ago, even though we don't close til the end of next week.

Isn't it embarrassing to admit that you spent all of that money on something everyone knows is a scam already?

So this might be a very basic question that in 6 months from now I will be embarrassed to look back on, but I suppose we all must start somewhere.

@Joshua Poitras,I'm glad you wrote & spared me further embarrassment .

That is embarrassing.

And remember, if you put in an offer that you're not embarrassed about, you paid too much :)