Sounds like there may be some lack of healthy boundaries that working on would help you develop into being a better landlord.

Not just friends or peers.Would most investors not like me not having skin in the game? 

Most lenders want you to have some skin in the game so getting 100% financing unless you are using 2 or more loans from different institutions and putting that money together, you need to put some money down.I’m not saying its imposable but try and put yourself if the lenders position.

The Tampa/St Pete area is stable and continues to gain appreciation at a healthy rate.

I did that down in Eugene, OR and I really had to develop some thick skin!

The sponsor rarely has much skin in the game, and thus their interests may not align with yours (e.g. you may want to protect capital, but they don't get paid until they exceed the preferred, so they may take extra risks to try to outperform).

So for MLS listings, that code is going to apply, sans a healthy and committed relationship where buyer is consistent in purchasing and/or has the cash money to do so. 

I would love to see more women in real estate,  but even in 2017 there's still stuff we have to deal with, assumptions and stereotypes,etc.. takes thick skin. 

I ask because i have an applicant that has some sort of assistance program that will pay the security and first month. the tenant is then on there own. if i accept this tenant (or any tenant in this same situation) i want to ask for first, last and the security so they will have some skin in the game so to speak and i will be better protected if they cant pay down the road. here are my qualifications so far:Tenant responsible for gas, electric, water and sewer.

They have a large option deposit (skin in the game) which makes them very motivated to pay rent on time and maintain the property because as you said neglecting either of those components of the LO agreement would jeopardize their tenancy and their non-refundable option deposit or consideration (NROD or NROC).