I'm sure there are many ways to skin this cat, but I don't think you need to kill yourself.

The lender is just trying to lower their risk by getting you to have more skin in the game.

You will have to have skin in the game with the national lenders. you want to look for UPTO 90% of purchase and 100% of rehab. their will be draw fees. typically 200-250 dollars netted out of the draw.

You gain experience and ride their better coattails on the money side with some skin in the game too. 

@Timothy Joseph Kiyosaki refers to something called “infinite returns” which is earning a return when you have zero money or skin in the game.

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

I have a thick skin... and only cry when now one is around

The Fed has so much skin in the game right now with their inflated balance sheet that they have no choice but to inflate or else face insolvency.

Hard money generally doesn't go to 100% - 75% is a "normal" max but a lot will not go higher then smaller numbers like 70 or 60.So you will have to put $$ in - HML will want you to have skin in the game.You need to find something that leaves you $$ left over for rehab.Also - remember your buying that 100K property (ARV) for 70K or 50K or whatever and that is the amount your financing.or if you say homes (even rough ones) go for 100K - well - are they worth more after reahb - if they are worth 150K that is what the HML will loan on.So in that case you can get a 70% LTV from a HML - kick in 5-10K (with closing costs) and then spend the rest on the rehab and holding.Some HML will let you in with no skin on your second + deal as well so it does get easier the more you perform.

many (most) times, the lender will not consider a loan modification until you have defaulted. so if you default, your credit will be damaged.lenders want to make sure you have skin in the game. you signed a contract for the terms listed and if you want out of the original contract, you need to pay a premium.