They wouldn't have any skin in the game and could just walk away and leave you high and dry if things go wrong with the property.

Do you think that taking bigger risks may have alternatively landed you in a dark and cold place?

it is technically a real thing but very rare, and there is plenty of historical data out there that shows those who have less skin in the game are at a far greater risk of default by a factor of 5-7x.

I will also add that many independent travelers that do room rentals enjoy having their own fridge.To keep things kosher in shared spaces, my friend who runs PadSplit says every room comes with one colors or plates cups etc to ensure that guests are accountable for their own dishes.

I've spoken to countless investors facing this same problem and I can feel the sense of frustration and helplessness, especially when your builder goes dark. 

Again, other might feel differently here.b) Skin in the game: as a conservative investor, I understand that the dirty secret of industries that the waterfall compensation is in the line with me and incentivizes sponsors to take more risk.

People with no skin in the game are telling you it is not hte blue mans fault even based on what you told them. 

The units all have tri-paint jobs with ceiling paint, a nice wall color and super-white glossy trim on everything else. 

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

One of my favorite authors, Nicholas Nassim Taleb, sold me on the concept of Skin in the Game and holding all pundits accountable for prior predictions, myself included.