I'm aware that if I don't do the LLC along with legal protection I'm missing opportunity to build business funding but wondering if it's better to take chance to buy the properties with a lower conventional down payment instead and maybe get more skin in the game than go the commerical funding route?

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

Now when you look at a property that is a STR it means that property owner has more skin in the game.

If not, it should be skin off of their back, not yours. 

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

So a sponsor that's great for one investor will probably be terrible for another (and vice versa).I'm a conservative investor, so when I invest in multi-family I prefer sponsors that have at least one full real-estate cycle of experience, little to no money lost, low leverage, and high skin in the game.

How much skin in the game do you have to contribute, what is your personal and business credit score, what blemishes do you have on record that will come up when lenders review your file and start digging up the good and bad on your file looking for bank recommendations for a construction loan to convert a 2-plex into a 4-plex.

I've been in the construction and real estate industry since I was 18, I've had my fair share of not so great experiences, but I developed thick skin quickly and never take anything personally. 

We typically need to see some skin in the game to get a deal done and securitized.

I wanted to JV a 10unit, but didn't have the capital that all those that considered doing it wanted me to have more skin in the game.