The lower the income level of the area the more price sensitive they are.  

I have had this situation come up several times this year, in multiple states, Lenders want to have the borrower have skin in the game at this point in time. 

The tenants have skin in the game so wont mess up (e.g., not pay rent).I'm sure you'll get it rented soon; but just wanted to share an outside-the-box option that was successful for me.

For instance, with STRs, why won't an investor spend an hour on AirBNB for their area to identify listings that:1) rank the highest2) occupancy 95%+3) ADR $750+4) hosts have 2+ properties5) listings are branded with 20k+ Instagram followersetcThen, reach out to those top operators; as many don't have the time or gave up on cold outreach, yet they've done the hardest 90%, have skin in the game, and outcompeted thousands of listings nearby.

I’m frustrated and getting mixed suggestions from family/friends who think they are experts with no skin in the game.

Again, I don't have any skin in the game since I'm based in Los Angeles.

First two transactions client is required to bring in 10k so they have skin in the game then once model is proven  JLH capital provides 100% funding for purchase and if there is rehab 100% of rehab.

You have skin in the game in the form of your entire net worth.

Where's the skin in the game like I had to do? 

If you are more sensitive to the fees, you will want a “no points loan” but be careful here because it could drastically impact the rate.