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.

That is a good skill building exercise, but still caters to an unproductive approach and is used as a crutch for those with analysis paralysis.

However, while my family relative was willing to sign on as a creditor for my first home loan, they are unwilling for this second loan.