But this is a public internet forum, so toughen your skin and ignore the haters and embrace the good advice. 

CA just skins alive high income people with the highest state income tax in the U.S.

Even if they don't appreciate it's no skin off your back. 

I understand that you have more skin in the game then most as you have intellectual property and credibility on the line and must defend what you are passionate about.

Giving mortgages to those with little skin in the game or marginal credit is the same.  

@Mike Alder   you may want to look on E bay for used course material from any of the guru courses the information is all the same there is only so many ways to skin the RE cat  as it were.

The second is that they expect you to take at least a 30% or so equity position in the property so you have "skin in the game".I wanted to know if it is possible to get a mortgage for more than 70% if the property looks like it has better than average earning potential, or if that is a hard and fast rule.Thanks!

When we resell and calculate the annual IRR it's usually pretty phenomenal.

You approach their kids and are accused of tampering with the old folks....I see 2 options: Either get even closer with them - in a genuine way, don't just do it out of greed (IMO) or just go straight business mode and approach them with a generous offer based on them moving when THEY feel ready to move....You stand the risk of irritating someone no matter what you do, but on the other hand, the only way to get a great deal sometimes is to walk out on that limb and jump....

It has taken some thick skin and a complete disassociation from reality though to get through the stress of limited reserves but I’m back!