I plan to use private money for the purchase and rehab costs, but am not sure how much, if any, a private money lender typically wants the investor to contribute towards those expenses to have skin in the game.

My favorite (as well as a common crowd favorite) is currently Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki.Those who read this would agree: this book was mind-blowing and was a huge game changer.

Some sellers do know how to play the game. 

If BiggerPockets developed a card style game who would be interested?

I'm sure folks are gaming the system now.

Get out of your comfort zone and start talking to the players in the game, create meaningful relationships that provide mutual value. 

I'm not confident as a newbie investor to just jump in the game without using a property manager.

Additionally, you want to invest in making sure your property stands out against similarly sized ones in the area with tasteful decor, themed rooms, game rooms, etc.

I hadn’t heard that, so that may be a serious game changer.

He has become the benchmark that we use as we move into other markets.Banker: We recently went through a game of kissing many frogs to find our prince.