You also need to build your systems which may include (but not limited to) marketing, operations, management, acquisitions, dispositions, etc.If you go into a talk or negotiation with a seller without confidence or with fear, guess what is going to happen?

Without the "normal" people earning a respectable wage and having reasonable living expenses, I fear that we're going to see homelessness increase.

You may hear that it is unrealistic, they may be upset or angry with you for thinking so large, etc. and sometimes it can be very discouraging and you question if it is worth trying because you value their opinion.From what I have personally came across myself, as well as hearing similar stories from others, these people most likely aren’t acting out of a place of negativity or jealously etc. but out of fear for you.

If you live in a spirit of fear, you will not find success in this business.There is always a bargain to be had. 

The longer I hold out, I fear the prices will continue to get more insane and miss an opportunity to build a real estate portfolio. 

You could also use a process server, but I like sending someone with a gun and a badge to put a little fear into people.

I am going to guess that your wife has other concerns and the biggest is probably "fear of the unknown".

I have thought about increasing rent entirely, but I fear potential tenants will be scared away by the much higher than market rent price listed because they don't realize what utilities cost.

We feared massive unemployment, another global financial crisis, and a sudden evaporation of real estate property values.

 Fear stems from the unknown!