I have a great W2 job in the IT world that took some sweat equity to build and maintain.

Don't sweat the small stuff.This is bad advice for a pro, but was HUGE for me as a rookie.

Sweat marketing kills it Billboards are great for reinforcementPrint is great for branding TV is expensive yet worthy Things I wouldn't do.  

I will teach them sweat equity, show them the bigger picture.

If not, then build your portfolio through the sweat equity/FHA 203K route. 1st house is in both your names, then refi out in one name, buy house #2 in the other's name, then house #3 in the remaining spouse w/o an FHA loan.

There isn't any great deals and there are very few rehabbing opportunities to create a little sweat equity.

A lot of sweat equity and hard work goes into achieving this number.

I wouldn't sweat it too much though.

Or if you were inquiring about how to invest in a sweat-equity property that you could simultaneously inhabit and rehab. 

Don’t sweat what they are making, just evaluate the deal at their asking price.