Once you put down earnest money, pay a appraiser and inspector, then you have skin in the game and are more likely to pay over your initial desired purchase price. 

They want you to have skin in the game.Sell it before something goes wrong and you loose it.

But if I'm in the field and not in position to take notes or know cell service is reliable I don't answer; but a call back is always quick.I'm really disappointed by the difficulties you are having.

When the lender said they wanted to see his skin in the game he showed all the stuff he had finished plus the land. 

They have more skin in the game then you do.Make sure you get clear title.

I do not have any w2 earnings so I have been told that getting a loan no matter the money I put down will be difficult. I

I'm not sure if its fear of failing again, if you want to call it that, or just the difficulty of starting over. 

Most are going to require you have skin in the game.  20% to 30% Down payments are common.  

I am concerned an attorney might try to talk him out of doing an owner-carry or create other closing difficulties. 

But the presumption/ignorance gets under my skin.$100 for early checkin is starting to sound good ;)