I'd say the skills that matter most is whatever skills are required to make it happen.

You may want to read up on wholesaling as a way to generate some capital.

Welcome to BP !

We are learning as we go here and I am curious on the approach others have used when going for their first property after getting their HELOC set up alongside an LLC and so forth.

I bring this up because it’s identical to the amount you have.

You need to build your credit.

Buying a large new build home can also work well as a house hack as you can charge a premium rent, and generally most bedrooms built now a days have en suites (at least in my market).  

You definitely bring up good points that I will need to investigate.  

I’m looking to invest out of my home state, Texas, and have narrowed it down to 3 markets.

While most of his experience is with new construction rather than remodels, he’s already given me a few pointers and is looking into potential referrals for me.