Getting an 80% conventional loan on such an expensive property may be tough if you don't have any of your own skin in the game.What I don't like is the deal you're pursuing.

Ideally; i'd like it to be 50/50, I bring the funding, they provide crew and labor, but if things go south, they have no skin in the game really.

I went and checked all 3 levels and it was bone dry on the second and third floor.

if you want to take it a step further just have the house certified dry. 

Some people deserve a second chance and some will waste your time and leave you out to dry.

They have more skin in the game then you do.Make sure you get clear title.

Back before Dodd-Frank it was common practice for lenders to set it up so they get paid more for more work, but a lot of folks took advantage of this.It's not going to be hard to find someone licensed to broker who will do it now that refinance volume has mostly dried up (8 months ago = good luck), but "specializing" in these would make zero sense for a LO.... it's like asking you if you'd rather work 120 hours a week or 40 hours a week for the same pay. 

Usually lenders want to see how many deals you have done, how much skin in the game you can put in.

Make an investment on your own with some serious skin in the game.

As important as it is to find a good school, I think the most important factor is finding an energetic/lively instructor since the real-estate curriculum can get very dry and boring.