Probably 5% skin required, but not allowing a gift is odd for that type of loan, check on that again.Your idea of a co-borrower is probably best.

IE, an attorney/developer sold a property and claimed that there was a listing agent for the lot and and different one for the transaction, while it was no skin off my back, my selling agent would have to give up some commission.

Some lenders do accept a seller second, but most want you to have "skin" in the game, therefore a seller second is frowned upon and not allowed.

Let me give you my perspective from renting to college kids for over two decades.The ones who have some skin in the game, as in _having_ to work to pay for some or all of their education get 'centered' real quick -- either realizing that college is not for them or buckling down and working their asses off to reach their goals.Unfortunately, the majority of students I've come into contact with are getting a degree in 'party' and are simply squandering their time and their parents' money.

The key here is to get as large of a down payment (skin in the deal) from the buyer as possible and choose a buyer that will occupy the property.

Either find a local partner who will have skin in the game to manage or hire someone to be on the payroll and then you have the control of who that manager is. 

Someone who has some skin in the game in your success

Here are a few thoughts:- Most broker dealers are going to expect you to have your own skin in the game, so they are not going to raise the entire fund for you.

Lender "A" now has no skin in the game.

Again, I recommend you get a US-based partner who has skin in the game - or a substantial investment in a property.