I get that many lenders want some of the investor's skin in the game.

Try to get 10% or more down, ideally 20%, so you know someone has skin in the game.

They like to see you have some skin in the game.

I emptied my 401k and bought houses by the skin of my teeth to get started... it about drove me into BK. 

It is still doable but I know many people will want to see some "skin in the game" or some kind of track record. 

This is hard work, I like to see that they have some skin in the game too.You also have a better idea of how serious the people are which can help making an approval or denial if you are on the fence about whether or not to approve an applicant.Also, there is no bait and switch here regarding the app fee either.

you will need to put a little skin in the game about $1K.  

Offering an upfront deposit (earnest money) during the purchasing process shows you are serious about purchasing (the more deposit money you offer then the more serious you come across to the seller)...and from the sellers standpoint it protects their interests by forcing the buyer to have some skin in the game and making it less likely the potential buyer will just walk away from the deal and risk losing their deposit.

Most will now require you to put in some of your own cash or have “skin in the game”.

I'll say this since there are a variety of ways to skin a cat (btw, who the F skins cats?)...