He will also evaluate your track record of success (to be determined), your skin in the game (you don't want very much), and today's value of the property you're buying - not the ARV price you hope to get after doing your first rehab.

You're skin will thicken the more calls you take.Natedog

What i have found is that as a newbie it is almost impossible to get in on the action without some sort of skin in the game.

That said, I see time and again, sellers that have no idea how to run their park, and suffer the consequences.I think it can be a great industry, but you have to have thick skin, patience, and conservative numbers.Roby

I think it is a great idea to have some skin in the game but if you leverage might open you up to do a better deal.  

Skin like a Rhino and are walking talking real estate stats, know must contracts upside down and are a textbook when it comes to inspections, permits, building codes, farming, etc!

Make sure you have tough skin and serious about your business.

Scott,If you are dealing with a bank they would feel comfort if you had skin in the game.Joe GoreDallas, Texas

Thank YouThe seller's commitment to the deal should match your own.If you've committed in the purchase agreement or addendums to a 90 or 120 day period, do your inspection after seller acceptance (and release the associated contingency) vs. in three months after bank acceptance, and offer a reasonable EMD , the listing should be changed from "active" or whatever similar terminology is used in you local MLS.If you don't have skin in the game because you can exit the deal at any time, didn't put a significant EMD at risk, or have an inspection contingency that hangs out there until after the bank accepts, then the seller is facing a large risk that you'll just walk if you find a better deal, even after several months of them not marketing their home.

@Brian Crimmins I've done both VA loans and MFR purchases with clients.VA loans:  100% financing makes it easy to buy, but gives you zero skin in the game aside of a minimal ($500) EMD.