While bigger deals are definitely better, there are more smaller ones, and they are more accessible and trade more often.

What special skills do you have that could help a wholesaler?

Two options I would recommend though are a live in flip (depending on knowledge/skill) or house hacking (renting out bedrooms).

A skilled property manager who has the processes and ability to select a “good” tenant.

Included in the "management" of these properties is a good deal of skilled labor jobs (repairs, renovations, upkeep, etc.). 

I'm trading lower cash flow for less management, less turnover, and appreciation.

Here is your trade-off in a more complete view:A.

@Clay Couvillon He'd want to do a 1031 exchange, basically trading your profits for a "like-kind" investment property of greater value.

They know that most of their clients don't have either the time or the skill to do it themselves, and so just like taking your car to a mechanic you need to be able to trust the person or company that you hire.

Furthermore, I completely agree that consistency and repetition is key and the mother of skill.