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.  

Maybe you have more knowledge than you indicated, but what skills do you have that make you think you can flip a house right now? 

Here is an article that I wrote on ways to start with little to no money:https://www.biggerpockets.com/member-blogs/10145/70092-getting-started-with-apartments-with-no-skills-and-no-money

But really I'm here to sharpen my skills and learn from Investors.

Obviously to be purchasing deals of this size you’d have to know a little something, but let’s assume the buyer and I have an agreement that I find him properties @ an amazing discount because my negotiating skills are just that good (this is hypothetical).

Interview some managers, see what they do, and how they can help you, what their business plan is etc and hire on those skills versus fees. 

What are your skills? 

It's obviously a "rant" and not a "review" that required any cognitive skills.

Or, if not a book, what resources do you recommend for me to improve my appraisal skills as I get into MF investing?

I'm sure you have some very good skills.