I say ok, I think I can come up with say 10K to get "skin in the game" which should cover the 4 points easily on the type of deal I am looking at.

Do what you know and enjoy, getting creative doesn't necessarily make you more money, it likely means you are taking on more risk and playing a game you aren't prepared for.Everyone's goal in real estate is to create a machine, where in, you stick $1 in the front and it spits $1.20 out the back. 

Usually it's a case of beer, or tickets to a Cardinals game, but never cash.

I like your game plan Matt!  

Seems like a good way to get your feet wet, get in the game, and start saving up for the next one.

I did a "1-12 months out, let's set expectations and get a game plan going so we can jump on it if a great property happens to pop up" face-to-face meeting just today - Say hi @Tihanna Mccleese. :)#2: Nope, shouldn't. #3: It depends on what your tax returns will say, tbh.

I am 24 and new to the investment game.

This seems to be a long game.

I got my 14 year  old son in on the game, and told him to start sending letters to multi-fam owners in a two mile radius of our house.  

@Brandon Hall is my go-to guy for all things related to form 3115.Brandon - if you don't have a keyword alert set up for "3115", you should.  :-)