Lenders want you to have some "skin" in the game.  

The lender will indeed want to make sure that YOU have skin in the game, and bear in mind if you put less than 20% down there is likely to be required mortgage insurance on the loan which is an additional payment on top of your principal and interest.Having said all that, you DO have options for buying that duplex, especially if have people like your mom who willing to lend you that money for the deal, but I highly recommend talking with a seasoned mortgage professional here on BP to get the specifics and someone who will shoot you straight about it.Lots of people get started investing partnering with parents.

Figure we'll do a couple house hacks to get some skin in the game!

You are taking all of the risk in this transaction - 100% owner financing for your buyer, no skin in the game on a turn key investment.

Typically, it's best to have some skin in the game by putting a down payment, which helps your cash flow.

I have thick skin.

You need thick skin in RE.A mentor who has a mentor means you may have selected someone who should not be teaching anything unless it's free, depends on what they are being mentored in.

____________________________________OPTION 2Some of my other brokers in Georgia who specialize in high end properties for over 20 years do it this way.They have a typical marketing package built into their business.If the seller demands anything above that which they usually do then the broker does this.Tell the seller that they can pay for the advertising and keep the proof of receipt and payment and at closing the broker will give a credit off of their commission at closing.This makes the seller put skin in the game.If they truly believe in their price to put money on the line they will do it.

They have more skin in the game then you do.Make sure you get clear title.

Just go slow and learn there are many ways to skin a cat in this game but you have to choose 1 way and get really good at it and that process takes time, things dont happen over night.