I'm sure you have some very good skills.

That is a good skill building exercise, but still caters to an unproductive approach and is used as a crutch for those with analysis paralysis.

It's obviously dependent on the local market, marketing skills of the person listing it, and other factors.I'm currently renting small homes and apartments in 1-2 weeks.

I plan in the future to just use a skilled and experienced investor-minded agent and gladly pay their commission.  

I can either go to college and get my associates degree for some type of trade/skill or, hop right into work, save money, and learn everyday about real estate and stocks and make that my main priority.

That would be a super straighforward way to become a valuable member of a partnership using skills, network, and resources you've already built up!

It is an acquired skill but some personalities just aren't suited for it.

I want to improve my "deal combing" skills in order to have an elite understanding of where value can be added, what makes a high quality area, where I can generate appreciation due to an area's rent disparity, and what makes a deal just "feel good".

But construction is booming and there aren't enough skilled workers. 

What kind of skills do you have?