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...

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

. - Cabinets & quartz counters were from Pius in seattle; they have good pricing, a good showroom and are fairly quick to turn around- cabinets are the 'grey shaker' for the kitchen, 36 inches tall was the right size for our 94 inch ceilings to give us cabinets that go all the way to the ceiling; and 'white shaker' for the bathroom vanity; same counter on both- floors are laminate from costco; "harmonics camden oak"; I they're 8mm thick, 6 inch wide and 48 inch long and have a pre-attached pad; great texture on the surface and solid quality feel; would definitely buy again- kitchen backsplash was from home depot online (couldnt find subway I liked both the look and price of in store) called "jeffrey court classic brick" in 2inch x 4inch size for $2.89/ft- appliances were the entry level samsung stainless, with a counter dept fridge- cabinet handles and faucet were from amazon; cabinet handles are brand "Probrico" in the 5 inch size.