Let them know who you are, how they can pay rent, and how they can communicate with you (emergency and non-emergency).

I would consider investing with you, but I'm not ready to commit my "emergency" funds for four years.I am actually 4K to 5K short a month for retirement.

In the event of an emergency, I can borrow from the HELOC, a loan on MY investment property, up to $50k.

Call the non-emergency number for the local police station and ask them who to contact to get information. 

Will I emerge victorious from this real estate labyrinth, or will I be forever lost in the sea of "what ifs"?

Handling Maintenance requests and emergencies, Handling tenant disputes, Ensuring the tenants are properly insured (if you require them to), Marketing the property, Screening applicants, Handling the security deposit return, and a whole lot more. 

It’s good to have some savings for emergencies, and you should look into different chances to grow your money.

I've also learned not to respond to tenant's calls and texts immediately--especially if it's in the evening--unless it's a true emergency.

This is the program: About Good Neighbor Next DoorLaw enforcement officers, pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade teachers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians can contribute to community revitalization while becoming homeowners through HUD's Good Neighbor Next Door Sales Program.

Alternatively, if something were to arise in our life (emergency or otherwise) while this money was tied up in an investment, we're left with few good options. 2) Time is not something I have much of.