My biggest unknown is not really knowing a lot of people who specialize in this space (i.e. attorneys, CPAs, general contractors), but asking around is how I got into my first JV. 

I go to meetup's etc and when talking with unknown people the question invariably will be asked my interest in real estate.

It's in the agent's interest to get your offer accepted but they are not the ones that will be flipping the bill should  the property have unknown maintenance or repair issue which may mean significant money out of your pocket.

In my case, I decided to get an MBA and found that while pricey, it offered me all the basics I needed to know and the skills to learn more without letting the fear of the unknown impede my progress.

The auction process goes from unknown and terrifying to unimpressive and unremarkable very quickly once you get through your first one!

Trying to just push through the fear of all this unknown! 

I understand he is concerned about unknown people being on property, but he can make inquiries respectfully like most everyone else would.

It's my goal in business to limit my unknowns, but it does happen. 

There are many unknowns which can ruin your deal.

The more expensive suits are those with unknown heirs as prior owners, which will require a court-appointed guardian ad litem.