This is a really great point. Starting teaching myself Java about a month ago after I got frustrated with finding the right engineer, and plan to continue to learn as much as I can from the ground floor.

However - and I think many would agree - there are engineers who have been doing this their whole lives who are far beyond my capabilities and will be even if I work incredibly hard for many years. I think it's naive (and somewhat offensive) for me to think I should be able to fully catch up.

I do want to learn as much as I can, but I find it important to embrace the skills I have. Ultimately, a real team is a requirement if any start-up is going to succeed.

>>>Ultimately, a real team is a requirement if any start-up is going to succeed.

Not true. Keep working on learning how to program and do it yourself. Try harder.

>>>Simply put, I will work as hard as anyone to pursue something I believe in.

This assertion only has meaning if you actually work as hard as anyone. If you worked as hard as anyone on learning to program then you would evenutally get there.

The objective isn't necessarily to be the coder or to prove you're better or good enough to take the place of a full time coder. It's to at least be able to build your prototype and have a better understanding on the tech side. Doing so will prove more value prop in the short run and help find a true coder to team with.