Trying to not put the cart before the horse here or get myself into a bind?

I agree, thank you @Bill Gulley and @Dion DePaoli for all your input on this issue.I'd then suggest you get with a banking/finance attorney, sounds like you're speaking to a very fine RE attorney as the finance types can give that answer in depth.Now, here's a real inexpensive way to get advice from the horse's mouth.

- i feel like a horse in a race with blinders without a finish line since I subconsciously block out most adds.[4]Choosing a location/ budget: Should you spend more on a better location so you hopefully have better tenants?

That said, if the present level requires you to have to ask what a lien is it would seem there is no due diligence that's been done - don't put the cart of debt before the horse.

And horse ranches.

Once you factor in risk, you're better off just picking up a second job or overtime hours.Now that I've vented my negativity, allow me to get off my high horse and give you actionable advice.

Then when you find a deal, you have a second pair of eyes on it (the lender) and you can negotiate more confidently knowing you have the financial backing.Finding deals without having money lined up is often (not always) putting the cart before the horse.

Its like putting the cart before the horse. 

You can't change a donkey into a thoroughbred.  

The basics are not hard to learn and it doesn't take that much time to grasp the understanding of why and how things are done.Then you can select what area of real estate is best for you, but trying to do just one thing you'll be like the horse with blinders on passing by opportunities.