However, more savvy real estate investors will want you to have skin in the game and the ability to pay the loan back.

It’s a numbers game of buying lists or driving for dollars .. taking note of rundown looking homes and sending out thousands of mail pieces and working to convert motivated sellers into selling their home . https://www.marketwatch.com/story/home-flipping-activity-reaches-six-year-high-2018-06-07

@James BeaverKeep calling portfolio lenders (small local banks and credit unions). 

We've also done some private lending to larger self storage developers as well as secured a nice sized HELOC on our property in hopes of using it on our next project.Our goal now is to build out our rental portfolio faster than we have been to try and gain financial freedom within the next 5 years or sooner. 

are there better ways to show skin in the game for hard money investors?

Although I've looked (and made lots of offers), I didn't realize that it was a whole different ball game trying to secure a loan for a multi-family vs when I bought a condo as my primary residence.I was hoping for feedback on the terms below and if they seem reasonable?   

Is it standard for HMLs to ask for a one-time deposit of $3500 that includes: 1) evaluators going out to property to determine whether it's a good deal, 2) enrollment fee and 3) "skin in the game"?

I wish you the best of luck in regards to your rental portfolio! 

How much cash flow will it generate and can the property afford to give up 10%, do you have time to manage it yourself, and probably the biggest in my opinion are you wanting to get into this game long term or is this just a 1 time 1 property deal? 

@Tashinga MusekiwaI’m stationed here too (Carson) and most of my portfolio is in the springs.