The seller doesn't want to deal with it for fear the cost will be too high.

No fear!

. - Do not operate with fear or you will never get your feet wet.

So much information that the more read, watch and learn the more I fear to take first step."

My biggest hold back has been the "FEAR OF MAKING A BAD DECISION"! 

I'm not interested in talking with my circle as I fear this could make things awkward and I'd rather not talk money.

There are gurus who aren't interested in selling you anything who will argue that and have no problem (or fear) of facing the state. 

My thought and fear is that the 'state of emergency' will probably keep on getting extended indefinitely as we are going to keep on having fires every year, unfortunately.... so important to understand and fight if possible (especially if the price base is set at 2017).

Is it our simple and primal fear of failure that keeps most people from exploring outside their comfort zone- or is it people don't believe in themselves to succeed in anything else out there?

If your reason for getting into RE is strong enough you will find a way to overcome fear/apprehension.