I always make sure I have some skin in the game.I think this is most definitely the way for you to go.

I’m more conservative by nature than a lot in this site but that’s what I’d recommend.

            - 3 projects with potential add on potential Naturally every single one of those goals could be tweaked to reflect whatever area a person is in or whatever their own personal goals.

.- I printed out my own dialogue example and practiced many early mornings so it became natural as I was talking to sellers.

At the time when I purchased my first home, the broker I was working with thought I was very knowledgeable and naturally talented in the art of Real Estate and provided me with the option to obtain my license and come work with him.

Has to be the right fit of course and both partners need to have some skin in the game but win-win all the way.  

I was trying to consider some factors that may come into play - from what I understand you can put as little as ~3.5% down under an FHA loan - will it be more beneficial for me to put "more skin in the game" with the largest possible down payment I can make (say, closer to 10-15%)?

Start looking at and evaluating deals until it becomes second nature.

You usually have to have some skin in the property in order for them to lend to you.

Then hope nature takes out the tree and insurance covers it.