I hope I can become a skilled wholesaler to present the rest of the investors here with someone awesome deals. 

I say fortunately because most new people only ask for help; they rarely offer it which makes it MUCH easier for me to get my questions answered because I go to them for help and an offer to help them.Even if you are new to investing, you have a skill set.  

Does he have some special skill that you would not be able to do the deals without him?

Working with a Mentor will expose you to people you want to be like – the right kind of people who have done and achieve what you want to do and achieve.The Impossible way – Do nothing – wait to retire to start somethingTake the wrong real estate training – pay too muchListen to Know-It All Want to Be Rich Poor People at REIAsDon’t set goals – goal setting is a method that your conscious mind programs your subconscious mind – that programing (goal setting) will direct you to fulfill your commandsDon’t make offers – quit early – watch TV – sleep late -Listening to the negative comments from others who say “You cannot do it, you don’t have the skills or knowledge, you failed at all those MLM programs – stick to the job you hate!”

I'm about a quarter of the way through, and it seems to me like I need to build a particular skill set that would attract Other People's Money.

Hi Has anyone heard of a good Cash Flow game. I am told that this can help in sharpening one's understanding of RE investing.  thank you

I could see partnering  being a benefit where both partners can bring  different skill sets and/or going in on a larger MHF building

Any general maintenance or construction skills? 

Don't forget they think you are a dumb as dirt landlord with no business skills in managing a property they believe they are in full control of.

The high salaries in Switzerland, paired with your marketable skills should allow you to have quite a bit of purchasing power in most US markets.