I've always demonstrated to the Seller why the numbers work better for them by using me.  

I do realize that somehow I have got to demonstrate to those whom I look to for funding my deals that I have got some "skin in the game" as should be the case.

The best rule is to hold longer than shorter, to have the intent to hold for productive use, and to be able to demonstrate your intent to hold.

Without trying to put words in his mouth, I believe he was just demonstrating for you that if a deal is good, it doesn't matter how much you put as a down payment; and conversely, if a deal is bad, putting more a down payment isn't going to suddenly make it a good deal.The key is that there are multiple different metrics that you should be looking at to determine if a particular deal is a good one.

Shortly after that conversation, he actually wrote 9 rules on an index card to demonstrate the theory (you can find the card here: https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2016/01/07/index-...).While the 9 rules weren't comprehensive (and he actually later tweaked them for a book he wrote with that same author), they provided people who didn't necessarily know a lot about investing with a good baseline when it came to managing their personal finances.It got me thinking about what rules a similar index card would have on Real Estate investing, and who better to ask than the BP community?

This number can really vary but I make sure to capture what the current owner demonstrates they're paying.Insurance. 

How you approach the mentor demonstrates how you will approach real estate investing.

You will pay ordinary income determined by the calculations inherent in each sale.While there is no statutory holding period, intent is the standard and intent is in part demonstrated by your actions.

But must be verified by 60 day history, and must be a gift with no requirement to pay back.Reserve Requirements 3-4 Unit owner occupied properties must have 3 months PITIThree (3)- and Four (4)-Unit Property The maximum mortgage amount for the three (3) - and four (4)-unit properties is limited, so that the ratio of the monthly mortgage payment, divided by the monthly net rental income does not exceed 100%, regardless of the occupancy status.Livable Conditions The property must demonstrate the following characteristics: A continuing and sufficient supply of safe and potable water under adequate pressure and of appropriate quality for household uses.

Because of this, he could buy properties and demonstrate the intent to hold for investment purposes and not "held for sale in the ordinary course of the taxpayer's business."