Seems apparent there are a lot of ways to skin a cat, but I think I've got a pretty good idea of what I need to do now.

One of the people you should get is a boots on the ground person that you could partner with this way they have skin in the game. 

There are many ways to skin a cat.

Would like the other person to have some skin in the game, and no way for it to blow back on me, other than risking my down payment percentage.

.- You haven't yet paid for an appraisal, so no financial skin in the game.- After 3 months, all the bank statements and paystubs you submitted have "expired," the underwriter is going to request fresh/new everything anyways, so there's no ADDITIONAL paperwork you will be doing that you aren't ALREADY going to have to do, by sticking with the slow lender. - Oh, also: your credit report is about to expire.

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

I want to put it somewhere each pay period (I'm going to be putting away about $300+/month) where it can GROW, but when I'm ready to use it, maybe as a downpayment, or as my "skin in the game" in a partnership deal, I won't be facing a penalty for withdrawing that cash?

There are always many ways to skin the cat...

I think I have multiple personalities when I post, depending on my mood or irritation level at the time I post.When I make posts I try to make them thoughtful.

Just being in that place at that time requires empathy and sometimes tough skin for the threats and curses.