The "deal-maker" has no skin in the game, yet after your initial investment has exceeded 50% profit, the "deal-maker" expects a fee of 50% of your remaining profits.

I find that they feel better about investing if they know I also have skin in the game.

The process is as simple as it sounds but not easy to put together.Your first deal may be the hardest deal but what that first deal will show you is that this is a real opportunity and for many folks it can change their financial situation forever.There are not many business you can start and be profitable on your very first transaction.JUST MY 2 CENTS BUT THERE'S MORE THAN ONE WAY TO SKIN A MEE-YOW

You are basically offering your friend the opportunity to buy a house, which you will then use to secure rehab financing.So if I am reading that right, he has a whole lot more skin in the game than you do.You also don't mention what your experience level is.

They want you to have "skin in the game".

I don't invest in "rough neighborhoods" nor do I recommend others do unless they have a very thick skin.

That is a great downpayment, and they have a lot of skin in the game.

As mentioned by @Anthony Dooley, having the property owned by your custodial IRA does require the custodian to write checks every time you want to pay someone, and that can get irritatingly expensive and cause delays and errors, depending on the way your custodia charges.

Or is it completely personal as to what makes the difference between "I got my moneys worth." and "I barely pulled out by the skin of my teeth."?

It also gave me a good idea of ALL of the charges.I would like to find one that has a little skin in the game, to find and retain a quality tenant who takes care of the place and pays on time.