As far as using sweat equity to add value, what's your background or some specific skills you'd be able to help people with in the real estate industry?

Since then, I've learned more into my build, design and project management skills, taken everything in house, gotten my GC license and taken a more hands on approach.

My SEO skills are definitely not the best and while I use Instagram, too, I've found it hard to get people to actually engage.

It is now the best time to be an investor provided that you have access to your own capital to do deals and don't need third party funding combined with your strong skills in purchasing a distressed property at the right price.

Wholesaling skills translate well with both buy and hold/fix and flips. 

Since then, I've learned more into my build, design and project management skills, taken everything in house, gotten my GC license and taken a more hands on approach.

Starting with a safer property and building up skills can help.

MLS has a ton of stats that they share with you and that you can compile yourself i.e. sold data, new listing data, buyer demand/DOM, historical data, etc.2. improve sales skills.

A skilled caller could get 20-30 leads from talking to 1K random homeowners.

Very true, you make your money when you buy and that formula is dependent upon your search abilities, how big of a net you cast to find opportunities, your negotiating skills, your ability to identify great locations (often near good schools), and your ability to transform the property.