To use your skills and intelligence to create more value than you would receive from a diversified portfolio.

But to be honest with you, If you do not learn some construction skills, your progress will be a lot slower as contractors will be raking in the majority of your profits.Get a pro account on this site so you can access the PRO only blogs and avoid all the goofy stuff that can confuse you sometimes.Take NO advice from salesmen such as realtors/brokers.

I do the same as mentioned above; my skills as a carpenter help with the appreciation.

Some of these answers would be based on your risk tolerance and handy skills.

I just learned the skill of wholesaling.Lately, I have been searching vacancies and code violation lists, once I find the property I can't get in contact with the potential seller.

It's a skill that you've gotta get good at. 

I have a Credit and Treasury background by trade and I'm hoping to carry those skills forward into investing. 

The house is under contract for $265,000, learned a lot of skill's details along with investment concepts especially how repairs can drastically bring value.

Sooo I wanted to know what do other do to hone skills and fill that dead time.  

Notwithstanding your already fine answers, Tyler--my guess is the owner profile of 5-20 unit properties has a higher concentration of investors who are stretching the limits of their financial capacity and management skills.