With print work, you can sometimes find both skills in a single person.  

To help you can adopt a 5 second rule where you commit to introducing yourself to someone within 5 seconds of being at the event.Add value - In your networking find out what other people need and see if your unique set of skills can help them.

You want to work with an investment team that already has the skills and contacts.

Some prior owners are just skillful liars (good actors).

REI is a great big world lots of options.What's your skill-set?

My dad and uncle are physical-labor contractors and although I've learned a lot of trade-skills from him, I lack exposure to the financial nuances of buying and selling property.

I currently work for a design-build company where I handle all things money for condo deconversion remodels in downtown Chicago and skilled nursing facilities around the country.My main focus right now is finding a 2-flat house hack in the Chicago area to move into using a bank loan.

I also look at real estate as being able to network with people who will assist me on my journey and also help the people I am networking by bringing value and skills that can be used to assist in their business as well.

I'm working on my deal analysis skills, and I ran this as if you don't live in it... if the total rent you collect is 2400, which is what @Craig Bellot said you could get, you cash flow $90 after all the expenses listed (assuming you do end up paying 300/month for oil).

I would probably do the following, this is completely malicious compliance and depends on your skill set: have an HVAC company do an inspection on the furnace and tuneup.