So, I am up to three calls that led no where other than developing my screening skills.

Thank you for mentioning me in this forum as SEO is not my strongest skill.

Price does seem a bit high when you are writing the check , but the plumber has the skill, knowledge and experience , thats what you pay for .  

I have always felt that the most important skill an investor needs, whether a wholesaler, a flipper, a land lord etc is to know the market better than anyone else.

(Chances are, your sales skills are a little flabby.  

Sales skills for Real Estate agents.Others, who shall remain nameless, teach Investors and Realtors® marketing skills and how to write better letters, etc. 

Gotta have tons of market knowledge to know what things are worth, marketing for generating leads, sales & negotiation skills, empathy for the seller, creative problem solving abilities and repair estimate knowledge to name a few.  

@Brian FlackEven though you have that kind of appreciation, I'm unwilling to speculate on that area if that's the only play you have.  

You need to get a seasoned partner and leverage there knowledge and skill sets to get this deal done.  

It comes more naturally to some than to others, but those really are skills that can be learned.