In the meantime I have a family living in damp conditions fearful of what the next storm will bring.

I am so happy I got over my fear and just dove in.

Our greatest fears were coming true.

You will eventually run into someone like @Michael S. talked about. 

That should take away some of the fear of just jumping in.

After having listened to hours of the rookie and money podcast it was time to move away from 1st deal fears How did you find this deal and how did you negotiate it?

I made the case here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/this-housing-market-isnt-... and nothing has really changed other than a fear that the massive deficits the government is running are acting like a stimulus that's keeping the economy afloat but only for the time being. 

My fear is that the Tiny Home movement might be more of a fad and reflective of our economy.  

We never help install them for fear that something goes wrong and their TV falls off.

With rent control and just-cause evictions, I fear it's not a worthwhile endeavor.