Right now we have enough cash to use for investments-- because our investing is constrained by other factors-- my skill level, market size, and competing priorities.

You are a fool if you think otherwise.If I can't trust that my client understands the market and the deal, has the skills and ability to close a deal, or is not comitted to working with me, I am wasting my time and energy.

I am just wondering what skill I should learn as I am starting out.

As everyone pointed out paying off lenders and or partners first is vitally important.  

Learn how to do them and you can grow without leveraging money just your time and skills are needed!

Or incompetent.Or, as is often the case, relocated and someone living in the subject property but not paying the taxes (or rent) while fat, dumb and happy.Your most valuable skill will be skip tracing; finding people who have a record ownership interest. 

I am new and will continue to sharpen my skills to make sure I make educated decisions when the right time comes.Again Thank you,Rico

This was my experience too in Glendale (mentioned previously), but not in Lancaster (inland, lower end hood) ... sounds like you are in a decent neighborhood (Escondido if I recall) and/or skilled enough at selecting and managing tenants to avoid this.

In the hands of a skilled RE operator it is normally a wonderful thing ... since folks asked the dynamics of how it can be done, I will share my personal strategy, though there are many different ways ...

I can and am willing to offer some of my skills to be assistance to you as I learn from you.