I am Foreclosure Subject Matter Expert with a major bank and an individual who buys single family residences (in Virginia ) for personal use.

I read a really good blogpost, https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/05/10/invest-out-of-state-how-to-analyze-a-city/ that talks about a city's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR).

I am a IT Professional who has a love for financial planning and passive income.

What this means is that they are required by law to look at for the best financial interest of their client.

I totally agree with you, is that it's all in your mind.All you need to do is link up with seasoned individuals that already own bigger deals, bring value to the table and ride their coat tails to put your mind at ease.  

If the first property is not a partnership and is just you, you can setup an LLC that is a disregarded entity such that it operates as an individual with just a SS# for tax identification purposes and then the LLC provides the asset protection and your new partner could do the same and the two disregarded LLC's could be the TIC owners and you have some level of asset protection. 

I am a disciplined and passionate individual who would love the opportunity to learn more about the real estate industry.I grew up watching my dad lose his butt in the 08 crash.

With that type of financing you would only pay about 31/2 percent down paymentDepending on your financial situation you might want use an Attorney and/or a tax attorney to give you advice when you know what you are investing in.  

@Bill WilliamsNew Mexico is one of about 9 states that has a Community Property right between married couples, which includes ( as I understand it), as stated previously, the home acquired prior to marriage belongs to the individual, not both of you; hence she would have the freedom to sell or mortgage that home anytime, without your consent involved.Any income earned from such a separate property belongs to the individual, but if you choose to share bank accounts and 'commingle' funds, and the house is sold, those proceeds placed into a joint account become community i.e. both of your funds.Community property is acquired by either spouse during marriage, and selling or  encumbrance requires both of your signatures.  

Those individuals will prefer a lower density say 2-3 unit building with a backyard and garage.