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

I’m not super comfortable with tenants having no skin in the game to conserve.

Tons of ways to skin the cat. 

Otherwise, you will need to put skin in the game. 3% for FHA.

Their credit checked out, and former landlord gave them glowing reviews, though now I am confident that they landlord gave them a glowing review because he was ecstatic that he was getting rid of them.

I think the best thing you can do starting out is partner up with someone who has experience in real estate investing until you get some skin in the game.

@Ralph White it's unlikely that a crowdfunding site will fund you for the downpayment as most like 'skin in the game'.

They usually want skin in the game due to risk.

You are going to have a lot of trouble finding financing options with a 2nd lien and to 100% make up a purchase price (i.e. 100% debt financed with no equity or down payment "skin in the game") as part of your payment.I'd recommend looking in the "Creative Financing" subforum if you want to explore potential ways of doing this but frankly it is really difficult to find a genuine "shortcut" that wont end badly for not investing any of your money at all.BRRRR Method remains IMO the best for this but you still have to put some of your own capital to use during the process

It'd be best to cut all the expenses you can and save up enough cash so you have significant "skin in the game" or even fund the deal yourself.