I can tell you that I would never invest in a deal unless the lead investor had significant skin in the game.

If someone could point me to some beginners reading materials, and possibly recommend a strategy to get some skin in the game (i.e. how to get a JV money partner) I would be very grateful! 

I haven't come across a bank which will let with zero skin in the game.

My guess is that the type of hands off 'don't want to deal with it' buyer you are looking for is also unlikely to be able to see past the 'ugly' current state of the house.I could imagine it working if you show them something finished (model home) and not show them the current ugly state.I heard a story from a high end ($50k tables) furniture designer who once made the mistake of showing the client the table in progress with clamps, glue and unfinished surfaces etc.

@Garret Ball, there are a lot of ways to skin the cat in Real Estate.

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

But as it relates to being a mortgage holder how do I decide when the buyer has enough skin in the game? 

Or would you always want the borrower to have skin in the game?

Sometimes the smell gets stuck on the surface and by cleaning and painting you can get rid of it.

Hope you put flood insurance on it :)What made you decide to go with hard surface countertops and stainless steel?