I was first introduced to real estate investing in 2016 and have been building my skills and knowledge since.

As I continued to work and build my skills, I knew that real estate, specifically rehabbing and renting, was something I really wanted to pursue.

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. 

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).