I hope to acquire enough properties to supplement enough pay in rental income to leave my job to pursue flipping options or further rental possibilities.

Is there anything I can do right now or within a year to supplement my income to leave my job?

Same idea, trying to push investors out, and to enable owner occupieds to compete. 

I do not have building expertise, however am connected with a great builder who has those skill sets, so we combine our experience enabling us to embark on and execute projects we otherwise could not do well on our own.

My main goal is to supplement my retirement income with $5K in passive income.  

I would like to start with a few wholesales or flips and then grow a portfolio that enables my money to work for me...instead of me working for the money!  

There is a ton of supplemental resources on the website to help you with your first few flips.

There's a difference between one-time help and long-term enabling, only you will know where your situation falls along that spectrum.Agree with @Ethan Atkinson and @Patrick Soukup - entering as a lender or $ partner might be a good route if you determine REI is the right thing for you to do now.

The income from the properties would initially be used a a supplement to my income but I would eventually like to have real estate become my primary source of income.  

For example, taking 100 acres and making a city, how cool would that be.The good thing about REI is, its flexible and you can do it as a supplement to whatever your doing now or plan to do.I say do both, maybe use your RE license to fund your education in architecture.I agree wholeheartedly with @Ryan Koehler , especially if one is independent.