That was what I was afraid of but I understand the reasoning.

I have a situtation where the owner had paid off the house but owns 27K in back taxes and is afraid they are going to take it away from him and wants to sell it. 

Don't be afraid to purchase the lower tier real estate the second go around if you are focused on the correct fundamentals.

As a new investor, a duplex gives me some pause because I'm afraid there might be long periods of vacancy where I'll have to come out of pocket to cover expenses.

The price is posted, and it's the same with almost every other business.I would go online and do a rent comp analysis on what current market rents for your type unit are getting, and if you're afraid of losing them, then you can give them a discount.If a tenant has a larger space, more amenities, a parking space, then you can add additional rent.

Im afraid of heights so treehouses are a no go for me 

Purchase price: $775,000 Cash invested: $250,000 Great deal on a property people were afraid of.

Some individuals are afraid of diversifying all their money in the stock market and might be interested in holding real estate backed notes. 

Once you identify potential properties, run the numbers to ensure they’ll cash flow, and don’t be afraid to start small to get your feet wet.

I'm definitely out of my comfort zone and I'm afraid to take the first step.