I know Hard money Lenders want you to have skin in the game as well n usually only fund up to 80%.

Keep in mind that most of them will require you to have some "skin in the game" and roughly require 20-30% down.conventus llclima one capitalcorevestcosmic funding by onyx capital partners llc

., no "skin in the game"), I'd think twice about investing.

The "bad loans" don't scare me much those as most loans have buyers with skin in the game in regard to down payments, proving they can repay, etc.There is some talk going around about helocs adjusting, and loan modifications adjusting, that may add some desperate sellers to the market but we will see.

Yes, which is not a problem to show them the skin in the game.

  - Yes, be careful of any agent, because they have no skin in the game if you can't make it work.

To be sure, home prices in lower-income neighborhoods are quite sensitive to economic conditions and availability of financing, so a recession or credit crisis could quickly stop (or at least delay) the positive trend. 

If you have ZERO skin in the game and he is going to split the cashflow with you 50/50 for 5 years, then he is an idiot (or perhaps it is a family member willing to help you out?)

I'd recommend trying to partner with a builder that is willing to put skin in the game.

Check with other lenders if it's time sensitive, otherwise if they are offering low cost refi and good rates, then wait.