I feel the same, politics in small startups are a thing too, people selling smokeware, the fake until you make it, violating engineering principles to satisfy marketing dreams. Plus everyone is selfish and trying to just be recognized and get more money. I'm thinking on the consultant + indie hackers route but still struggling because I suck at sales.

I'm a professional salesman and I still suck at sales. The only good salespeople are those who either have a strong ivy-league type network (seriously), or have an excellent product with strong PR (aka inbound leads coming in hot all the time).

Sales skill is 90% prospecting and 10% being a trusted adviser.

It can be. I have also worked with those that are naturally good with people and sell as a part of the conversation. I can’t do that, they are rare. I have worked with those with both a network and a good product/marketing team. That works too, I agree. But it is not enough for me, I need the rest too, see other comment.

These days I never start anything new without a good sales person as part of the team.

I'm really curious, how do you define "good"? See my post above.

It's really easy to be a waiter- it's very difficult to herd cats into your funnel.

The last three startups (one is just starting): honest, you can leave the keys to the company with them; not on commission, co-owner of the company; not a big ego; must enjoy the customer contact and the closing of a deal; it is a benefit if they understands the sector well, but not required, depending on complexity of product.