I keep a fair large cash account, though it's unsettling to keep a stockpile of cash that isn't growing while waiting for the buy opportunity.Are there other strategies you know of for mitigating this risk?

I can sympathize with you, my transition has been unsettling, a growth experience, and just plain strange.

But, more broadly speaking, because so many people are unsettled by these processes, I'm resistant to categorically rejecting compromise on the issue.

Writing off a 10% price decline as insignificant just shows the level of cognitive dissonance that certain investors suffer from.  

Honestly, MLM is one of the best ways to hone interpersonal skills, increase your emotional intelligence and learn to adjust to cognitive dissonance.

As for liens, here in Milwaukee, if you sell a property any unsettled small claims judgments have to be taken care of prior to or at closing....that can be city taxes, old utility bills, medical bills, etc.  

I'm so used to going it alone that having to rely on other people's advice and instruction is a little unsettling. 

More specifically, do you have any thoughts on how to handle the sort of cognitive dissonance that I know I'm going to experience when I start pursuing real estate deals?

I have a property manager" "I'm worried about spending thousands of dollars"This is the definition of "cognitive dissonance". 

Not to diss on anyone here but theres really no way they'd be able to tell you future market value.