But I have since realized that by volunteering for a cause I feel strongly about (Junior Achievement helps kids in underserved communities learn financial and entrepreneurial skills) I was able to connect with like-minded people and then become friends with them.

I liked: The richest man in Babylon-George S Clayson best personal finance book I have read Think and Grow Rich-Napoleon Hill great on mindset How to win friends and Influence people-Dale Carnegie being able to interact with people is great skill to have These are the ones I can think of off the top of my head.

Needless to see they are less skilled. 

I'm an IT guy, and my first business started when I realized there was a lot of demand, enough that I could charge about $250 per hour for a particular skill I had developed.

Just saying its a lot of work to do those rehabs and only at the end of day have a 10% cap.These types of properties are what I actually focus on because i have the skills to get them updated.

How to apply your skills to something for yourself, rather than your boss?

I am a professional photographer and a videographer, are those skills needed very much in this field?

So true, family is important.until skills (time management, deal analysis,marketing etc) are tops , there is need for caution

You can't provide labor without skills and you can't manage without an education in that industry.

To get a head start,  are there any investor/buyers list or that's up to me and my marketing skills to generate one?