Just like everything else in life, get started, keep honing those skills (i.e. keep reading, keep learning, keep attending the meetups) and watch yourself get better and better witch each property you buy.I hope this helps and good luck on your real estate journey!

During this 30-day period, agents should be able to: set goals for themselves; set up their MLS; add their sphere/ALL of their friends, family, acquaintences to a database; begin calling/contacting everyone in their database; begin generating leads from other sources like cold calling, expireds, fsbos, social media, open houses, etc; begin tracking KPIs; create or refine online profiles; create and post social media content; attend role play sessions to work on lead generation/conversion skills & more. 

Work with a different CPA who is just as skilled. 

The skills you learn doing this will pay you actual money but also come in super handy anytime you negotiate with anyone, have to put effort into getting a tough deal to close, real estate terminology, contracts, and so on.Good luck with your journey. 

The skills I have are worth more than me being my own PM.

Unfortunately if there are not good comps available (as you stated) you may be more subject to the appraiser's skill and opinions.

I estimate the vast majority of those who would send in money to something along the lines of a syndication they fund online lack the skills to perform the necessary due diligence, would not take the time to learn or perform the verifications even if they knew how - the whole pitch is "trust me, zero effort."

How do you use your time effectively to make sure you're drawing out each contact's specific skill set and approach? 

Do you have the skills needed to manage it well and prevent losses?

I would day often NO.So it’s a tricky process - trying to thread the needle.Best advice is to work with a broker who has been there and done that and can guide you thru the process. 1031s are not rocket science but there is a skill and knowledge component to successfully get one done.Also pick an Exchange intermediary and trust their advice and counsel.