They have skin in the game.

I almost landed a job there as an environmental health and safety specialist.

I'm neither a US tax specialist nor a US taxpayer.However, I've read from a trustworthy source that 1031 exchanges don't work between domestic and foreign properties.

I currently work as Eligibity Specialist. 

You're also correct to notice that an average tax person does not understand real estate taxes, and the specialists are busy, especially at this time of the year.So, your solution is to shoot yourself in the foot by hacking taxes yourself?

You can invest with no money down, but people are less likely to loan to beginners with no "skin in the game".

Note: after speaking with the founders, they have no skin in the game.

On the other hand, I'm in the process of selling a flip and should have my profits distributed before my friend closes on his home.My thought is that I may be able to use a 1031 Exchange to put the money towards his purchase as an LP and help him get to 20% so that he can avoid PMI.There's also a considerable amount of rehab to be done, so he may be interested in having someone else with "skin in the game" who is incentivized to help with the renovations. 

In order to put food on the table, I work at my father's business as a Home Automation Specialist, The Ormond Team.

The government doesn't back these, so banks want more skin in the game, and your down payment is significantly higher.