My personal opinion is that agents make too much off all sales with very little (or no) skin in the game.

From my experience on 5+ units lenders are going to want more skin in the game and I see minimum 20-30% needed down.  

HML isn't going to lend with 3.5% skin in the game unless it's your uncle or parent.

Here’s my issue: he says he wants the profit of anything I make on the deal if it’s anything over $25k so that he has “skin in the game”.

Meaning you took action and bought properties, as opposed to those who just give opinion without skin in the game. 

I'm open to any guidance.I have no idea to secure funds if I have to put some skin in the deal, hopefully, since its, some kind of grant it won't require any money down.

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

What does skin color have to do with anything?

LOL.and you would not have had the massive foreclosures  and I get it in those days reserves what are those everything is rosy.. and boy I just made it through by the skin of my teeth myself but I went through Millions in reserves and equity to protect my good name and credit standing.. it was brutal.. so yes I am totally debt adverse.I am more like my grandpa who lived through the depression and never had a penny of debt most of his life .. either way.. what ever floats your boat right ???

@Chris Seveney  chris is suggesting a money partner and mostly these are done through syndications were your the sponsor but most investor want to know the sponsor has some skin in the game and is going to be there at the end or if the going gets tough.