Income isn't consistent either, however, and you have to have the skills and desire to find deals and market them to investors... so it takes a specific skill set.  

So I could go the traditional route, but getting creative with the financing to me, seems to be a valuable skill to develop since I could potentially have both, a cash flowing property and cash for cash flowing the options market. 

My primary goal though is lowering my expenses for my portfolio while providing bettor service  (more responsive/dedicated maintenance and snow removal done well and in a timely manner).  

Everybody thinks they can paint but you can really tell a skilled paint job from a hack and it's easy to make a mess and spatter up flooring, cabinetry, and trim; crappy edging and bad colors can ruin a room.

If you think they have the skills to get it done correctly you might want to extend an olive branch and do the unthinkable...offer to pay more after they complete the job to a reasonable standard.

However, having these skills I think I could do much of the work on a fix and flip myself and I have potential investors who can buy outright a house which I could flip up to certain amounts and share in the profits. 

Sounds like you and your partner have a good mix of skills and the "get rich slow" mindset is the best way to approach real estate investment. 

Once you get a deal or two done, you can refine your skills with every person you encounter.

I am nearing retirement from the military and they offer a program called the Career Skills Program (CSP). 

I am considering getting a real estate license to use MLS and have access to many more properties in the market.Also, a bit unrelated but I'd like to gain basic property inspection skills.