This is highly dependent on your market and your skills as a Landlord.

They all require different skill sets.

The interfaces from 3rd party websites are more aestheticly pleasing and functional than the MLS

Be careful who you partner with - best not to partner with a person who cannot put "skin in the game" - no matter what skills or other value they say they can bring to the table.

Be careful who you partner with - best not to partner with a person who cannot put "skin in the game" - no matter what skills or other value they say they can bring to the table.

No one else can answer what YOU should do only what they would do in your shoes and the answer is highly personal and depends on so many factors (experience, knowledge, risk tolerance, age, passive vs active, available opportunities, skill set, goals, etc.).

Any trade will give you a good understand of construction plus you can barter your skills with other trades.  

I've got a lot to learn (negotiating skills, estimating repair costs, how to assign a contract, etc.) but for now I'm just looking for feedback on my plan at the big picture level.  

My background is in staffing, so I have a lot of experience in sales but have never really envisioned myself being a realtor, and have really focused on learning and developing skills to be a RE Investor.

Similarly, ideally this produces outstanding cash flow that will improve your life.I think with your experience and your partner's experience, you have some good skills to help you succeed.