I have decent handyman skills and have kept up properties for work as well as my parents few rentals.

"Good" can be lots of things...Good because you are working in construction and building up some skills, Good because you make good income and have money to invest and are able to get loans, Good because you are doing something analytical that transfers over to Real Estate Investing, or Good because it puts you in contact with real estate investors. 

Also, what skills should each partner need to posses to make things run smoothly. 

Once you get that, you’ll be able to use it daily and effectively, then make it more complex as you get more seasoned in your underwriting skills.

I'm well aware of how careful one must be when renting to friends, or renting at all, and believe me, I have been planning with experienced adults about legal safeguards and the best way to handle the situation so there is zero grey area.Got a family friend who is a skilled realtor, just helped us get the house we're in now (I'm living with my parents while I'm saving money), and they sold our old house as well.

What if the other partner falls out with you and claims they did not have the skills or knowledge to run things.

I'm not particularly handy, although open to learn some basic skills as I go.  

I didn't start this way, and my networking skills and processes are very much still a work in progress.

Good communication skill is super important for a PM since he's like the bridge to all kinds of people.

I know that this will require hard work but I am a go getter with great networking skills and will not stop until I reach my goal.