I didn't paint a full profile of the seller, but lets say he's quirky and doesn't have normal interpersonal skills that make negotiations a little more difficult.

Plus, these land lording skills I think are important to learn.

The poor have tremendous skills and ingenuity at stretching funds and bartering to make it through the month.But I am talking about units with rent of $395-525, not $1,000/month.

Depending on your skill set and what you like about real estate there are several options for getting a real estate type job.

Your skills will certainly be to your advantage.

If you're the project manager, and it's a job within the rehab: Is it a job that requires highly skilled labor?

I see no issue with dealing with someone on their level, playing the naïve buyer is just a negotiation skill.

The ability to obtain voluntary compliance is a skill.

Get good at people skills and the world of real estate is your oyster.

Basically I got to the point where I am “skilled” enough that I can accomplish certain projects without hurting myself or burning down the place and my work does not impress at all, typical C+ rental quality.