I don’t want to have to wait a long time to save more money to buy my second one.

It takes money to invest, so spend this time working hard and saving like a mad man while living off your parents for free.Educate.

Quote from @Matthew Paul: Earn more money , spend more money .

Typically we get paid our assignment at closing and the earnest money put down by the buyer is held by the title company in case a seller backs out. 

You could totally do it yourself but I want to be involved because, ya know, money. 

Then you add in the extra expenses and the money is quickly gone.

I plan to spend some time during all times of day to familiarize myself but I have read a ton of info and it is generally not considered to have a stellar reputation in terms of crime and such.

You could take them to small claims court, but even if you win, you're unlikely to see the money and will have spent a lot of time dealing with it. 

As the title suggests, has anyone ever had luck in tapping into a network of potential investors/friends & family money for their first investment property? 

Can money be exchanged to bind for a set price on that contract?