REI brings a lot of my skills into play: building construction and maintenance, dealing with people.

Will I have to use licensed contractors or will I be able to do any work myself (a skilled relative)?

You need to buy in the right year, use patience and negotiating skills to buy it right!

Sorry for all caps,did not mean to offend anyone,it's just the way i have always typed and it's easier for me to read(old eyes) BP It seems to be the case that's what I have been doing  for awhile now.Only time the other siblings come to help it's to start problems,they are skilled in that category.I'm stupid on terminology of mtg and mil as far as what it means,.

Low skill work even homeowners can do.

The leads are easy to get , it's finding the owner & closing the deal that takes "SKILL & TIME" !!!   

Now that I have begun researching real estate investing, my interest in home rehabbing has only grown and I could say Im willing to leave the safety of my welding job in order to gain the skills and knowledge of the contractor field.  

Should I have worked on finding the deal myself and developed those skills?

With oil drilling ticking up, the skilled construction worker type will be choosing whether to work in the oil fields or rebuilding Houston. 

Upwork is definitely worth looking into: We've grabbed a number of contract workers from there over the years.Also take a look at Fiverr.com, particularly as a resource for seeing what types of gigs you could perform with your skills and background.