If your pockets are TRULY EMPTY then you are not bringing one of the four items to the table that an investment needs: - Money - Time - Opportunity - SkillsIf you can provide either opportunity or skill in some fashion, you can likely partner with someone with the money.

If your cousin's wife is still very skilled, maybe you have a place higher in the business hierarchy where you can engage her (marketing, client relations, financial management). 

The risk levels, the work/effort levels, the capital levels, and the skill levels required are on two totally different planes.

Looking to utilize my experience, connections, skills and qualifications to grow a network of investors, developers and contractors to create an (or several) eventual company(s) to build strong communities.

How can you get them to help you accomplish something real, in the real world, without you lifting a finger.You will have to use a lot of your leadership ability and persuasion skills, but it is possible to get things done.

It really is that easy to fain more knowledge and be more skilled in the real estate industry.

Should I just pass it to a more skilled buyer/wholesaler?

I've read every book on people skills, closing the deal, making the connection, etc.  

But if anyone would like to share their perspective on the social skills of one in real estate, I would appreciate it.

Thats where the skill comes in.