This is incredibly reassuring to hear.

Any internet resources and books that go in depth on these concepts would be very helpful! 

Matthew, if you are an accredited investor, there are literally thousands of syndications and crowdfunding deals (which are essentially syndications that are allowed to market over the Internet) available.

There are hundreds of videos on the internet of armed citizens stopping crime and the VAST, OVERWHELMING majority of them are untrained people that rarely - if ever - have shot a gun.

Yes, there are nightmare stories but the majority of investors don't have problems - the ones who bought going way back to the 1970's and 80s and those that got deals in 2008 (and didn't sell in panic and have to foreclose) have achieved incredible appreciation and wealth.

There will never be an Internet forum where we all sing together and hold hands.

This is incredibly common in Philadelphia's market if you don't invest in the correct neighborhoods.  

Long story short, my portfolio's equity has grown to the point where the return on equity is so low that it has forced me to consider selling my 14 unit apartment building. 4 years ago when I bought this property for 445k and I dumped in 200k and has performed incredibly well and rents have grown, the building is now worth around 1.1M.

I recall when I first dipped my toes into out-of-state properties; it felt like navigating uncharted waters, but it opened up some incredible opportunities.Between BRRRR and turnkey, it really boils down to how hands-on you want to be.

Joseph,Bigger Pockets is the best site on the internet to build a newtork and get all the hlep you need to avoid mistakes and save money!