But I want to stay there as much as possible :)I also want to make sure I maintain a good, healthy relationship with my team members and be generous with them, but not where it isn't necessary.

Unfortunately, without putting in more of our own skin in the game, you’ll most likely have to find a partner of some sort investor to cover that portion of the down payment. 

More seriously, this business really does demand skin like an alligator.

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

No amount of experience will prevent that.If you're not prepared for a $30,000 rehab over budget, either don't do the deal or do the deal with someone who can manage the rehab, bring in some skin in the game and will get a portion of the cashflow and the profit when you exit/sell the property.

For someone living in NJ with little to no money to invest- what would you do to get some “skin in the game”?

Eat healthy foods, exercise both body and mind,  and develop good habits. 

Also it can be difficult to turn of feelings so roommates not cleaning, dirtying up floors, walls it may get under the skin.

Ultimately having a little skin in the game on your end let's the contractor know you're serious. 

@Yuriy ShepelinYou're not providing enough details as to what type of asset you're investing in, what market, what is the strategy, how much work is involved on each partner side, how long is the holding period, what are the exits, and etc...Aside from that when evaluating a structure there are several factors you need to take into account:1) everything is negotiable2) your "designated driver" experience and personal "skin in the game" play a part in the structure3) the structure could be waterfall and/or combination of multiple things.