What is your secret sauce or what skills do you have in your toolbox that help you acquire these properties at discounts? 

Early investing builds equity, generates income, and teaches property management skills, but may strain finances.

I have a very diverse skill set - most importantly, good professional communication, process development, an financial literacy.

and see what skills you might have to add some value as a side hustle.Things started to happen organically as I got more involved in the Chicago real estate market, and I am confident they will for you, too!

But my background and experience is in Business Development, and Marketing Strategy in close integration with sales, so I figure I at least have some transferable skills that'll allow me to make the most out of property as an asset class.

To date, I have created two strategic partnerships with other veteran organizations to match veterans with parking industry jobs of varying skill levels

We know nothing of your skill set, resources, or abilities.  

However, I have almost no trade skill knowledge so I'm looking at demo, cleanup, yard work, etc. type of jobs. 

I think the worst are the ones that will say they can do something for you or bring something to you then do nothing at all/fail to follow up or stay in touch (lack systems, organizational skills, and actual work to produce).

You can learn to do some things yourself...but make sure you have someone who has experience, who you can trust, in either your geographic area or the skill set, that you need to develop, to give their opinion.