However your about twenty times more likely to get a hole in one at Augusta then stumble across an agent with that skill level and integrity. 

I agree, this guy is way ahead of me skill wise. 

Chris NAWhile a good team is vital to a successful business, you should focus on your business plan through which you can create revenue.

Yes, it takes skill to have an owner take a note for part of their equity, you must be the expert in the room, but not so much that you scare them.

I pulled off a toilet with no plumbing skills or idea how to reset it.

In order to be a skilled wholesaler, you need to be able to find deals with a lot of equity, determine ARV and repair costs correctly, good marketing and interpersonal skills (you talk over the phone to motivated sellers) etc.  

I paired up with an older broker who complimented my skill sets (financial analysis and marketing) with (years of experience, negotiation and talking to investors / pipeline of deals).

I've connected with someone I'm planning on partnering with based off or professional relationship and his organizational and business skills.

. $16k of the profit was manufactured by good negotiation skills!

Negotiating is an important skill to learn....not in the slick, wheeler-dealer sense, but in the sense that helps other people see your point of view and lets them know you're considering theirs.