I know I'd eventually be able to unload the properties just don't have enough skin in the game to be confident. 

We will loan up to 60% of the after repaired value of the property, and we want to make sure that the borrower has skin in the game first.  

Also, you will usually need to put up some cash (skin in the game) to even place a bid on the property.

Most reputable lenders are going to want you to have some skin in the game.

Now, the lender wants to know if you have good credit, experience, etc.There may be some lendings coming back into the game that will only look at the project, but we look at the project and the person.Normally, they lender will want you to have some skin in the game.  

This will help you get some skin in the game.

Can I use this money as a down payment for a conventional product/hard money skin in the game?

Another thing is I could tell these guys were working their own deals which is good obviously because they know what they are doing, but with no skin in your game- your deals, it felt like they were kind of detached.

Investors find it uneasy knowing the operating partner (gp) will have little skin in the game and are less likely to invest.

The best thing you can do is build a strong team around you and/or partner up with an experienced investor to help you get some skin in the game for at least your first few projects.