The sales pitch I listened to of course pressed several "fear" buttons, so I thought getting some additional guidance/tips couldn't hurt.

I tell myself to not be fearful cause it can get scary, you gotta just jump.

Probably because the fear of a mistake is also larger.In your situation, you said the first mortgage balance is 20% less than the list price.

After that, when the interest rates plummeted, the market took off at a record pace.Conclusion: Uncertainty creates fear which creates inaction.

Don't fear losing tenants.

Also: My fear is that, in order to do so, I would have to forgo the VA loan and go with a commercial product.

Yes, mi biggest fear is the I might be emotional about it.

My fear is that an eviction will ultimately need to be done, and the squatter's response is leaving me with a destroyed apartment. 

I've contacted the city and requested they send him a shut-off notice as a scare tactic but specifically told the city NOT to turn off the water for fear of ethical backlash in court from the judge.

I can say that no amount of books alleviated that fear.