I would look to make sure you have a strategy you understand and a solid business plan to go with it first (you have some idea about your financing, if you plan or rehabbing you need some skills or someone on your team who does, etc, basically all the moving parts of investing that you can read about all over BP) so that when you start interviewing a realtor, both you and him/her are clear about what is going to be  expected from the relationship. 

There are tons of moving parts, and a copious amount of skill sets necessary (managing people, determining rehab costs, buying at the correct price, picking a good location, to name a few).  

If I do real estate investment banking and then work for an reit or realestate private equity (I know, both very competitive) will that skill set be too far separated from my above goal ?

My business partner and I have experience in managing properties and are eager use our skills to begin our company.

A good list paired with good negotiation skills will bring you success if you stay consistent with it.

Would the added appreciation make up for the shortage in cash flow?

Parents need to be involved in PTA and school board meetings, if parents begin demanding "basic life skills" to be taught, they will be.It always boils down to money, then space, then time for schools to offer or require a class.Raise enough of a stink and they will solve all 3 issues!      

I figure my skill set would better suit me for wholesaling as opposes to flipping. 

Find a successful rehabber in your area, let him know your skill set and volunteer to do whatever he needs for a few months in return for letting you learn the business.  

Those people are not objective and generally do not have the skills to offer solutions to the issues.Some people should have never gotten married in the first place.