Others have given great advice above, find a mentor, define your long term plan, study and become knowledgeable about your particular investment area, avoid partners (I absolutely agree with Jon on this one), and understand your skills and strengths and focus on them.

Someone that compliments your skills and may fill in any weaknesses that you may have.

Any ideas how to develop this skill set?

This form of investing is only for those who are very skillful in the real estate business and have great knowledge of the laws - federal and state.You must strictly follow many laws.

I hope to focus on cashflow rent and hold properties initially but as I get more skilled I want to get into commercial development.

These can help expand your comfort zone, learn skills, and maybe avoid some mistakes.Hope that helps!

Price is irrelevant to the question at hand, since when making a comparison of good sales skills/resources/abilities vs. not as good, one should assume "all else constant".

Have they done it before and what skills do they have?

Doesn't take long to make.I could see not wanting some tenants without tech skills, though elderly tenants might be a nice exception.You don't show the house until they apply?

The most sensitive info you have is your ssn.Another issue is the presentation of counterfeit check, some banks simply charge a fee to cash a two party check, it's a low skill level that I don't have but it's not hard, the issue may be covered but it's a PITA proving it's not your check.Automation is great, makes life easier, but keeping collections away from depository information is the best security, funds come to you and you make deposits.BTW, for the lease-option, installment dealers out there, you can have more issues with any partial payment.