As they say, there are multiple ways to skin the cat.

Here are my options as I see them: BRRRing SFR sounds great, but it will take a significant amount of time to build up enough cash flow to replace my current income.Flipping average priced ($200-250k ARV) homes sounds like the best way to achieve my current income, but will not contribute to overall wealth.Mid-sized apartment complexes sounds like an interesting route to achieve both income and wealth, but it requires a significant chunk of my own (skin in the game) capital - leaving me with little capital to pursue options #1 or #2 on the side.

On cash-out refinance now: Most banks will only allow you to cash-out 75%-80% of the appraised value, meaning that you have to leave 25% to 20% in the property (skin in the game).

But at the end of the day you're still purchasing a deal under market value and have no skin in the game.If you ask me it sounds like you're the one trying to take advantage of them; not the other way around...

They want your skin in the game, ie. cash down. 

Different ways of skinning a cat. 

I am just looking to get my feet wet and get started already, yet nervous/afraid to get some skin in the game and potentially falling flat on my face. 

It doesn't sound like you have any "skin" in the game.  

So far hard money lenders still seem to require 20% down for skin in the game.

On the other hand, someone who is single or simply without kids may be ok renting and building wealth through investments.... 1,000 ways to skin this cat.