This is an art and a skill.

It seems to me you want to use your skill sets in HVAC and your friends in the other trades to rehab your first purchase to eventually flip and or rent.

The second half of this formula is to develop better listening skills.

I've observed that a degree is useful in either one of two ways: Either you get a specific technical degree (engineering, accounting, something like that where you have to have the skills/knowledge to do the work), or you get a job that just requires the "College Degree?"

How much capital, time and skill do you have? 

Because if it's, let's say, a buy & hold business you'll create for just you, I don't see where you would need to leverage your writing skills to make it work.

You might also need some practicing your estimating skills before you start making real offers.  

Only a team can provide all the skills and resources required to maximize your investment dollars.Start your search for an investment realtor by talking to property managers, cruise real estate investing sites, seek out local investors, Google search, etc.

I am from Mid-Michigan and grew up near many of these cities so I know what they look like first hand.You'll have no shortage of people responding to you on BP saying why Cleveland, Detroit, Cincinnati, etc. are the best rental markets in the country, but just know that with every pro there is a con.

Find a Cash BuyerOnce you’ve found the right property and have a wholesale real estate contract with the seller in place, you need to market your contract to potential cash buyers.Use your networking skills, both online and off, to connect with potential investors.