You need to be able to turn a profit, the property typically has to be in an urban or suburban setting, you need skin in the game (down payment) & in most cases decent credit.

Paying that much interest makes my skin crawl ha...

The reason for this is to prevent people from getting a good deal, immediately refinancing, pulling all of their cash out, and having no "skin in the game".

In theory you could approach the neighbors before going under contract but they will take your inquiry more seriously if they know you have skin in the game.

Would depend on if you have enough skin in the game or other collateral

Insurance has no skin in it since they don't cover mold, only have duty to defend. 

It may have been possible years ago, but not anymore--lenders want to make sure that you have skin in the game and that you won't just walk away from the property if things get tough.

You must have thick skin and the ability to laugh when things seem like they’ve gone wrong.We know there are more than 15 things you need in the home, so comment below of there's anything you would add to the list.I CAN HELP with a a few of these items too!

Should I insist he put skin in the game up front as well and we both take our chances on losing money?

You're the one with skin in the game here.