@Jonathan Bock, That is one of my fears.

Somehow the property manager faked the deposits because the rent was late to the point of maybe 5 days before the next month every month both sides. 3 weeks after closing one of the tenants became my boss at work which was super awkward because then I couldn’t file late notices for rent to either side because they were related for fear of retaliation.

The plan to time the market loses to psychology and fear of loss.To your point, though, I would agree that for some people the liquidity of REITs is a good thing.

We did not have much money, no work, no experience, and a lot of hopes and fears.

There will be advice on how to get over your fear of investing out of state, maybe the place you'll find will be a flight away, not just a drive... i.e.

This subjective and heavily pushed idea seems driven by a real sense of fear.

SO yeah, negates the impact of such fear so saying don't get income producing assets in case of unemployment is actually backwards.

I get the reasoning for this opaqueness, I simply disagree, I think you could stand on your operational difference as a strength, because it can be, vs fear of negative connotations. 

Congrats on getting over the fear to make your first offer. 

Only use it when you truly need it, but do not let fear stop you from utilizing a tool you pay for.