When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take care of them and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for that my dear friend is the beginning of the end of any nation.

Care to share your experience?

Careful questioning can flush out a scam. if you decide to purchase, put any up front money liek an Earnest Money Depost with the title company.

What about lawn care?

However, more savvy real estate investors will want you to have skin in the game and the ability to pay the loan back.

Even people who do not care quite as much as others still in fact do care.

are there better ways to show skin in the game for hard money investors?

Is it standard for HMLs to ask for a one-time deposit of $3500 that includes: 1) evaluators going out to property to determine whether it's a good deal, 2) enrollment fee and 3) "skin in the game"?

After all, no one is going to take care of your stuff, like you.I personally have enjoyed managing my property.Disclaimer: I was burned by a property manager and now manage myself.

All I care about is my credit score, and know this place could go to auction soon.