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

I have some liquid capital, not much $14,000 to be exact, I know as a new investor acquiring hard money would cost me some skin depending on the deal.

@Thomas S. why you say never count on staying in any home forever ( unless of course it is related to natural disasters striking and destroying your home ) ...

That's not a common nor natural leap of thought. 

I also require the borrower to put some skin in the game. (20-25%) of acquisition cost at least.

. $300/monthGrass/snow - quoted by a local company at $274/month (1800 for snow for the year, 1500 for grass for the year) Insurance - $140/month (got a great rate not cheap insurance) The heat source and hot water is natural gas, New furnaces and water heaters installed in 2015. 

I completely understand where you’re saying wear and tear exists, but I think it’s probably unlikely that ANY landlord could expect the place to be in perfect shape when the tenant arrives and leaves, natural wear and tear is going to happen.

As they say many ways to skin a cat.......... and as another poster mentioned time to buy was 2011/2012....

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

A mentor will probably COME NATURALLY at some point if you really focus on networking.