I have a reliable project manager in Arizona will skilled workers, I’ve contacted a RE agent, and I’ve been preapproved for $250k.

Pre-approved: loan officer runs your credit, and analyzed supporting documents, such as pay stubs, bank/asset statements, tax returns, etc. only as good as the knowledge and skill of the particular loan officers ability to determine qualifying income.

The biggest hurdles for me when self managing is maintaining a network of skilled and reasonable contractors, cataloging all of the expenses, and weeding out bad applicants and bad tenants.

I suspect that a large percentage performed the flip for the learning experience but not by plan; they expected a profit that was not achieved.It would be safest if you realize your first flip could lose money and, if it makes money, the financial compensation likely would not justify the effort and risk.Ideally you would have gain some key knowledge and maybe some skills that could be leveraged on your next flip. 

Painted cabinets are becoming more popular now-don't think it has to be a sterile white but a soft neutral grey could work if you have the right countertops and backsplash.  

Mad sales skills remember your sweet talking someone out of their equity.7.

What are the first skills one should obtain to get started?

The biggest challenge is determining which is right for you in your current circumstances, desired investment asset, financially, and experience wise.On that last note, operating a run down building in a more desirable area, if one can be found that actually offers a better value, won't require to many different skills than operating a "turn-key" building.

How much you might make depends on your mgmt skills. 

For that reason, I'm trying to focus my research efforts more on areas that have skilled laborers and hospitals.