Aside from learned knowledge through the internet, what hands-on, hard and soft skills would you seasoned veterans of the industry recommend to learn/work? 

I find it lends credibility to me as a professional in the industry and it is better to be fully transparent.

So seen my share.As a whole the industry is much stronger than in the past. however the markets are still the same they did not change..

More people living downtown --->need more living space, but lack of building space -----> convert office (and some industrial) to living space----> less office space------>more demand for office due to less inventory. 

I am a pharmacist by training and currently work in the pharmaceutical industry.

The easiest way for the industry to setup IRA's is with mutual funds which of course are promoted by the big mutual fund houses.  

Since the Oil Markets are seeing a pull back in jobs in those industries, you want to make sure the other sectors are growing and not flat-lined.

We do everything we can to keep it in high regard with the people in our industry and people who buy our product. 

So, get a conventional, more formal and acceptable education in the industry.

The investment into education and knowledge in general is priceless and generally less expensive then your first potential mistake without having it to begin with.Second step in the knowledge process is, after the foundation knowledge is set and you understand the acronyms in the industry, street talk, construction lingo, valuations, exit strategies...then you can add to your tool-belt some items that may facilitate a further analysis like spreadsheets, apps, etc.Real Estate Investing is a TEAM Sport, and to try to understand everything on your own to the point that you feel comfortable to then act is an unreasonable expectation.Surround yourself with a strong Team, an experienced Mentor local to you, have that foundation education completed, put that tool-belt together and then act on a sound opportunity.NOTE: Wholesaling gives you an opportunity to practice what you learn, gives you an opportunity to vet your Team and affords you the opportunity to valuate the property without risk to start with.