My goal is to ultimately do more than one at a time, though. 

Be sure to read through The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Real Estate Investing to help you get started.Also -be sure to setup some keyword alerts - especially for "Fort Worth" so you can jump into local conversations.See you around the forums!

Ultimately, nothing beats having a great real estate lawyer and getting advice from them on what your trying to accomplish. 

I'm ultimately not relying on his valuation.

Hello @Kristine VongYou definitely have the right frame of mind in seeking a mentor - a seasoned local investor can be invaluable in helping you learn the tricks of the trade here.Just be careful that you set expectations correctly for yourself and for the mentor - most of the time that I've sought the advice of a mentor, they've directed me to some resource or material.Perhaps this guide, "The Ultimate Guide to Finding Incredible Mentors" can help you start your search for a mentor that will help you in your real estate journey!

Ultimately, if you run a business or work in one in many capacities, you will most likely be disliked regardless due to the fact that someone is giving you money.

Ultimately I would like to build a large real estate portfolio.  

It seems like you already have a solid foundation to work from but some recommendations regarding BP:I highly recommend BP's Ultimate Beginner's Guide, it helps to form a general foundation in the industry.

Welcome @Anthony Shears May I suggest reading "Ultimate Beginner's Guide to REI"  This might point you in the right direction. 

No matter how or why the deal went south, you are ultimately the one that made the decision to pull the trigger and get involved in the project. 2.Forgive yourself and move on.