I am sure there are other scenarios, but I am having difficulty understanding the process.

I'm having difficulty assessing if I have financial options, and which ones I should take seriously. 

HML isn't going to lend with 3.5% skin in the game unless it's your uncle or parent.

The major cons include high property taxes, difficulty finding positive cash flow (especially when using property management), and slow rent growth due to, among other things, rising supply of multifamily units being developed all around town.

Here’s my issue: he says he wants the profit of anything I make on the deal if it’s anything over $25k so that he has “skin in the game”.

I realize you have a big rig here and parking it somewhere was difficult. I

. ;-) I know, and I agree, and I though about it for other locations, but the difficulty and time requirement of distant real estate ownership is not something I can take on right now.

The state of ca is proving more difficult. I

Is thereAny difficulties associated with that? 

Meaning you took action and bought properties, as opposed to those who just give opinion without skin in the game.