Hi @Erich Churchill...welcome to BP and the investing game. 

However, even after being in the game for 5+ years and cutting down costs a lot, for example there is a "Home Depot" warehouse 2 hours away, everything is 50 percent off store price, if not negotiable).

It could be that it isn't updated yet online.

I’m reading all the books and looking online but I really need some help here.

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

It’s a numbers game of buying lists or driving for dollars .. taking note of rundown looking homes and sending out thousands of mail pieces and working to convert motivated sellers into selling their home . https://www.marketwatch.com/story/home-flipping-activity-reaches-six-year-high-2018-06-07

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

Although I've looked (and made lots of offers), I didn't realize that it was a whole different ball game trying to secure a loan for a multi-family vs when I bought a condo as my primary residence.I was hoping for feedback on the terms below and if they seem reasonable?   

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"?

How much cash flow will it generate and can the property afford to give up 10%, do you have time to manage it yourself, and probably the biggest in my opinion are you wanting to get into this game long term or is this just a 1 time 1 property deal?