We had a housing shortage.  

A deal with a partner, partner's money, partner's skills/knowledge, etc., will make you money at the same time you're learning.

What electrical skill level is required to install a ground line?

I'm sure there is no shortage of opinions on what may kick-start a long-term buy and hold RE career faster.

Networking and communication skill are key to success in any field you are working.

My broker told me recently there is a shortage of everything on the market currently so everything is going for a premium.hope that helps!

So if there is a shortage of 10,000 units for an area but you can already see 20,000 is in the pipeline you might have a problem starting a project.

Cross that with the usual (wealthy) nimbys that don't want ANY changes, and planning/building departments with layers of bureaucracy that would make Stalin proud, and you have the perfect storm of why we have a chronic housing shortage.  

@Marc Carlson It wasn't until I realized what benefits they can offer on an REI team did I begin to view the skill differently, good point. 

Followed in highschool by skilled labor working with drywall, cement, auto mechanic, dirt related construction, and still other forms of physical labor.