The idea being that they don't really want you to get all your cash back quickly, because they want you to have "skin in the game."

Always make sure they also have skin in the game.Other option would be to invest in yield based syndications, which are similar to private lending as you get interest only payments back monthly, do not have to worry about finding the deal, and the returns are very similar or better if the sponsor structured the offering in ways that could provide tax preferential treatment (dividend vs. ordinary income). 

Unfortunate for us newbies trying to get some skin in the game...patience is key I suppose!

However, if you're looking to test the waters --- I would start with a small SFR or a 1-4 unit that doesn't need extensive rehab to get some 'skin in the game' first.I've helped many out of state investors from BiggerPockets reach their goals in the Indianapolis Market.

I prefer buyers that know their numbers and who have skin in the game, but also aren’t afraid of deals.

No one has more "skin in the game" than a PMC as they have to deal with the property every day until an owner sells or fires them.Also recommend finding your own Inspector and not one referred by an agent.

Yes, commercial lenders will want to know you have enough skin in the game (down payment), enough experience, and capital reserves for vacancies/ when things break.

@Dave Stokley is right, this is not making you an investor, you have no skin in the property game.

Wholesaler wants you to have skin in the game, 1% isn't enough money to not back out. 

There's a lot of ways to skin the cat, but here are the important items they need to know:1) How is their money secured when lending on your real estate project?