I am about to refinance from one hard money lender to another.

Seeking Advice on Connecting with Private Money Lenders or finding 50/50 money partners – Your Insights Welcome!

There was pushback from lenders because “I wouldn’t have any skin in the game” if I used investors. 

Of course what he’s doing is creating a book of private “listings”, tying them up at a specific price for 90 days, and only closing if he can flip the contract for a higher price to an end buyer.

As you get ready to start investing I'd encourage you to connect with a local agent in the area that you are looking to invest and they can connect you with other professionals you'll need like a good lender, insurance person, property manager, etc...

Since I am not using a lender during the escrow process, what are the checklist of things to consider once a property is under contract?

That's assuming you can find a lender willing to do it, not all will do HELOCs on investments.

I know of one lender, assuming you're seeking DSCR.

In essence,  try to find a lender (Mom and Pop Bank/Small Local Bank) that will lend 80/20. 

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?