Other than, people seem to think real estate is safer than buying existing companies (not sure why).

They would be the best bet in guiding you. 

Folks tell you to not bet on it, I would tell those same folks to not bet on **** properties having regularly paying tenants and/or trusting government systems(sec 8). 

I bet you can’t find a savings account like that!

I didn't ask them about MLS deals, but I'd bet 95% or more of them get done.Ask your main title company how many of their MLS deals close vs how many of their wholesale/off market deals. 

I really see Columbus Ohio as an extremely safe bet for the next 10-20 years.

I may be paranoid but it really feels safer to me to see buyer / seller in front of me with the attorney in charge, for some bizarre reason, when a person who had an online $100 or less class to become a public notary has the seller / buyer sign legal documents, I don't feel it's a safe way of verifying their identity and generally speaking I feel conducting these large deals with a table closing when all parties are present is way better.. or at least choose an agreed third party to verify identity of all parties (like a different law firm) is that just me being paranoid or is it a legitimate scare?

Also, starting with 1-2 properties might be a safer approach to build your experience and knowledge.

The lower the class, the more heavily I want to lean toward anything multifamily as it helps hedge the bet against the higher vacancy rates.

So I'd bet you're either an already successful investor or you're gonna be one soon enough!