But even a hard money lender is likely going to require you to have some skin in the game. 

“People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care”― Theodore RooseveltFor those with thin skin who take generalizations personally, it's not about you!

Also, they are unlikely to let you in with no skin in the game.

Honestly in any case, you should have skin in the game before an investor decides to go with you. or you better have a lot of assets in your name that can be used as collateral if you want to go the no money down route.

I stepped in and negotiated these all out for them. paying a bunch off foreclosing on a bunch etc etc. they got out of it by the skin of their teeth but lost ALL their money.

If the deal is too thin to support a hard money loan and/or there is not enough borrower skin in the game to recoup your capital if things go awry, then you can lose money just like any other investment where capital is put at risk to earn a return. 

Personally, I wouldn't invest w/ a first-time lead who has no "skin in the game", and prefer that even seasoned deal sponsors have aligned interests via their equity investment.  

Good Credit, guaranteed money back, skin in the game (money down)????

When I lend money to flippers I insist for them to have a skin in the game.

They want you to have skin in the game.The bank's term sheet or commitment letter will state that they will lend you the lessor of XX% of the appraised value or purchase price.