Would this be a good time to seek that out private money for 12-15% with as much skin in the game as I have, or would it better to seek out conventional financing after the single family is complete?      

But there are many ways to skin a cat and everyone's situation is different.

At 20% down, that's your skin in the game, IMO a motivated seller should be accepting that.

You didn't mention it, but will he have any skin (money) in this deal?

I know that getting your skin in the game is probably one of the best learning experiences so excited to get started.Best,Joe

I know this is where the "skin in the game" phrase comes from, just wondering what combination of private/personal/extra financing folks are using.

It does take money to make money, but there are many other ways to skin a cat.

He found a GC and they are building two spec houses, the GC is has some skin in it as he's fronting some of the costs on the builds, but getting a share of the profits.

@Greg H.There is always a different way to skin a cat...Just sayin...done correctly the idea WOULD work....is it risky?...

I think almost all investors, including myself, would be reluctant to loan 100% where you have zero "skin in the game".If you can't save a few thousand dollars to invest then you're probably not ready to jump in yet.Also, what is your plan to cash them out?