There is no limit to the number of deals you can do (like there is in IL).I'm not sure about the dry closings (though I doubt they have that right, either), but the fact that they're already giving you bad advice makes me think it's time to find someone else.Title companies vary quite a bit. 

Title insurance, settlement fees, and recording fees can vary, so you could request updated estimates as you get closer to the closing date.If you’re expecting to stay under $5,000 out of pocket, double-check the loan estimate to ensure this aligns with your DPA and the amount you're being asked to bring to the table at closing.

Interest rates on my loans varied from 5.2% to 8.75%.

The application, VOE, and final inspection fees are about the only things in here that are semi-not standard; those vary by lender.

has anyone ever raised their skin in the game for a deal? 

Your best course of action is  to form a varied interest entity llc, then elect it to be taxed as an S Corp.

I'm all in but I must admit the whole game does feel a little intimidating, anytime I think I like a property and I think of calling the realtor, I start having self-doubt (that maybe I'm missing something and I'll come off completely stupid).I would like to ask the seasoned investors, how was your experience with your first deal?

You have to have skin in the game.   

Then they can own a property for the best years of the properties life and appreciation is forced through the continued rising construction costReal Estate is a long game not get rich quick.  

But, sales/raising capital, especially when you are just starting, is a numbers game.