>>1234855>social in short bursts and have only ever kept casual acquaintancesThat's pretty much perfect, exactly how you want to be.
>handyman skillsIf you're planning on paying your way like this it will be a hell of a time. Craigslist jobs, sticking around in one place long enough to find odd jobs etc. doesn't end up being very fruitful compared to what I suggested. If you have some moral qualm with that I'd advise to get over that right now. Don't hold yourself back.
>are there things to be good at that will make you of use to people and help yourself in tight situations?You could argue this one but music has opened so many doors for me it's incredible. Does it "make you of use" is something you'll have to decide, lots of people support me in what I do and the music I make. When I started traveling I had nothing, just my backpack and my dog. Learned to panhandle, the best places to fly signs, where to eat for free. Eventually someone gave me a doumbek drum which I did not care for but suddenly I was making $80+ a night just banging on the thing. More money than I'd ever made at a job. Eventually I got a car, then a guitar. I played music for gas which saves so much money it's ridiculous. That led me to save up for two more vehicles and I eventually ended up in my school bus. Most of what I do now is play music for people. On the street, in a bar, open mic, venue you name it. I still sit out with my gas jug and jam for gas. Music has never failed me, when I first got a guitar I couldn't play anything. Learned some power chords and played like shit, still made money. Took me a year and a half to be able to sing while playing. I've been everywhere. Done so much, seen so many beautiful places. Lived /out/ so god damn hard, and it's all thanks to learning to busk. I never would have had any opportunities in my home town. 6 years traveling, best 6 years of my life and showing no signs of slowing down.
