It's all give and take and cost/benefit analysis you need to consider/decide upon.As others have said, go to local REI meetings, meetups, or just try to connect with people here and see what value you can provide these people in exchange for their help.Maybe you can re-design their website for them, or do some bookkeeping, or clean their office, or whatever skill you have that you think they might benefit from. 

I would like to get into the real estate game by doing what I am good at first, while I learn skills such as marketing, financing, negotiating and more.

I am not fearful when I do my job but I do use professionals where professional skills are called for.

Even though I agree with you I still believe this type of opportunity exists in the high-end market so I just want to be prepared with the right knowledge and people skills no matter what market I reside. 

“Unless we are drinking a lot of Kool-Aid, then it’s a 25.”However, most syndications i have looked at seem to promote their skill in re-positioning to raise rents and adding value...and I am seeing plenty of sponsors promoting IRRs in the 20 ballpark...Maybe the big syndicators haven't caught on yet?

If the market crashes at any point, you can also refi then and skillfully soak up more units at a lower price point

Good negotiating skills, knowledge, flexibility and loyalty.

I can get a quick paint job for $200 a 12x12 room and ad $50 for a ceiling and $50 for trim and this is an area where an entry level 900sq ft 3/1 ranch is $240k with $12/hr starting pay for zero skills.

I have a full time job and I'm considering Real Estate Appraising to both gain skills and earn some extra income to jump start my buy and hold RE investment strategy.

We do have a whole team though with different skills and roles in the organization.