Let the relationships you build with others happen and develop naturally over time.I hope that helps.

But I think many of them didn't start teaching with a "let's skin some newbies" mentality.I've personally never paid for education except for a mentoring program.

Be a quality wholesaler who puts skin in the game and keeps the seller's interest at heart!

I have put down 3 1/4in x 3/4in natural color Hickory in a SFR.  

You mentioned some crime stats, there is crime everywhere it fluctuates in all areas every year some years more, some years less, I do not know if a single cit yin the country that is immune to crime.Investing is risky no matter SFR, multi-family, commercial, flipping, holding, stock, bonds, IRA - this is the pure nature of investing it is a risk. 

Their main source of income and jobs is in coal mines and other natural resources.

They generally like that answer as you still have skin in the game but are savings funds for any unexpected events with the property to keep it performing. 

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

Didn't we learn anything about people not having any skin in the game. 

Real estate is a different class of asset, because of its very nature it is unique, serves a public good and purpose.