I am also looking forward to my first property and in order for me to put my skin in the game, I will have to take some calculated and manageable risks (similar to yours--the selling of stocks--but different) and just simply dive in once I find my gem and after feeling good about my calculations (which is another challenge).

He found only one skin from a bed bug and that seemed to be months old from before I owned the cabin in January. 

I get that many lenders want some of the investor's skin in the game.

Try to get 10% or more down, ideally 20%, so you know someone has skin in the game.

They like to see you have some skin in the game.

I emptied my 401k and bought houses by the skin of my teeth to get started... it about drove me into BK. 

It is still doable but I know many people will want to see some "skin in the game" or some kind of track record. 

I legitimately love real estate and my eyes glow when I talk about it so if I can help, let me know.

This is hard work, I like to see that they have some skin in the game too.You also have a better idea of how serious the people are which can help making an approval or denial if you are on the fence about whether or not to approve an applicant.Also, there is no bait and switch here regarding the app fee either.

you will need to put a little skin in the game about $1K.