My reason is that everyone seems to have cash and skills, but there is always a need for deals.

Manually running comps (another learned skill) is a better way to estimate market value, or can spend $350 or so on an appraiser.  

Lastly, if you have a skill set in finding deals, and money partners, you can look at creating a JV, assuming with non-disqualified persons (non family members).

I've amassed a ton of skills over the years as a 5th-grade teacher, professional competitive swim coach and a marketing leader that I'm positive have me well-positioned to take on this challenge.I've identified 12 potential properties within 15-20 miles of my home, that look RIPE for a great deal. 

With your handyman skills you can buy a fixer upper.  

You can buy spray guards and just cut in with a brush once you get good, cuts down on masking, but that skill takes a WHILE to develop.I clean my tips in paint thinner regardless of what I spray, after I flush the system with water.

Then, as you approach potential partners, you can bring something of value to the table that will help get the deal done, in addition to your knowledge and skills.

New investors or people who lack skills need to be much more cautious so they should put inspection contingencies in place but know if it is a great property in a great area, you're not the only person making an offer. 

(you should get to the point where an inspection is a waste of money unless you don’t have the time to look yourself) By knowing what needs to be done you’ll have a better knowledge of pricing, and skill of your contractors.

I’m new to the real estate investment world and have been determining the skill gaps that I should fill for myself.