Make sure the investor partner has a track record and some skin in the game.

If you don't know her balance and she won't tell you, then there's no way to make a deal.

Thick skin, knowledge & decisions!!

She wants to do buy-and-hold and she realized that instead of buying turnkey properties, she might as well partner with people who will have SKIN IN THE GAME - meaning, me who will risk my own money in the properties.

I'm trying to have thick skin and take it all as constructive criticism. 

If you lack experience and capital then the seller is really taking a risk if they do a deal with you.No skin in the game means you can bail with little down side if things turn out bad.

:-/I did spend $500 when they called me a week later, but now I just consider that getting a bit of skin in the game.

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

Nothing personal, but if you don't have a proven record and some skin in the game, so to speak, I'd look for a partner on this one.  

I may have missed it above but will you have skin in the game yourself or are you looking for 100% financing for the deal?