Fear make anything harder than it really is.Good Luck

Open-ended, undefined, run-on repeated meetings and after questions are probably what they fear.  

By using BiggerPockets I feel less fearful when I try something because I know that there is really so much credible information here, and I can use this information before I even make my move.

Just think you do not have to deal with agents, contingencies, inspections, no fear of "turn downs", price reduction, mandatory repairs, low appraisals, crazy uninformed underwriters.....you get the picture.I wold rather take less of a profit than play the conventional on the market for sale game.That's only my opinion...........

I am very new to the Real Estate game, I find myself struggling with the fear of going into a bad first deal and not knowing were to start my investing career.

@Jay Hinrichs, Well, hard money loans are a part of the crowdfunding universe, but certainly not the only option, nor even the most prevalent.

Early on in landlording, I rather disliked the fear and uncertainty around a vacancy, the work involved in a turnaround (cleaning, painting, minor repairs), showings and screening.. 

:)...As Warren Buffett said - buy when others are fearful, sell when others are greedy.

My fear is that we'll screw up in the beginning and lose what I see as a shot to retire early.  

Specifically my goals are to create enough passive income to retire my parents, pay of my student debt, and live a comfortable life without the fear of money or bills.