Basically all lenders are going to want you to have skin in the game.... and as such it's going to take money.

I personally think you shouldn't be investing in something you are not willing to put some skin into and the fixed 5.5% is as cheap of money as your gonna get and if you put 20% down and it all goes south well you lost your 20% that is reasonable. 

It is best working with a modular factory that builds using SIP Panels as they are more energy efficient and lighter weight with a much stronger quality, the SIP Panels can be worked with using OSB or Phenolic Skins. 

It helps to get some more skin in the game because if the market goes into a recession again then you have some equity in the property that may help, if you plan on having this property till retirement then it doesn't matter and just hang out of the big cash flow and buy more non-depreciating assets!

I’m also planning on climbing MT Washington and riding the sherb down if anyone is into skinning or climbing hit me up!

If they are irritated by the questions, definitely move on.These are the KPI's that any quality turnkey company will measure and track and should be able to give you an accurate and correct answer at any given time.

We don’t have cash for downpayment but for the “skin in the game,” is it enough to use our credit for the repair and our own sweat?

In short, there are too many ways to skin this cat.

The lender most definitely wants you to have skin in the game and not borrow your very first obligation. 

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