I passed the first time but by the skin of my teeth compared to real estate brokers tests that I can basically finish in 45 minutes .. some of the mods think I gave up.. but nope done .. 

I have some people(who have skin in the game) who have offered to go through places with me, which is nice too.     

If you are using HML then that should be good to start with and put some skin in the game but you have to know how to negotiate your HML. 

Owners now have skin in the game with down payments, proof to repay the loan has been provided, many bought cash etc.

That is the anonymity of the interweb.Additionally on this forum you are dealing with a lot of people that have developed leather tough skin from repeatedly having to deal with a hole tenants.

Maybe you can find a seller willing to hold the financing for a period of time, but they are going to want you to have skin in the game, probably a min of 10%.  

., invest in a small portion of 100 units rather than 100% of a handful of units, and 2) make sure that property manager has "skin in the game" as well.  

You also need to have thick skin and be prepared for the fact that some people you would expect to send you referrals, just wont.So pick at least 100 people in your sphere.

They're also going to want you to have skin in the game. 

I would also suggest partnering up with an experienced investor for your first few deals to help you get some skin in the game.