I believe that he wants me to have skin in the game until more trust is developed.

Perseverance is all you need right now. my guess is that it won't be long until you stop lIrving by the skin of your teeth.I'd love to see this same post next year...but you need to tell us how you've met your goals and overcome adversity.Good luck to you

Even if the entire situation was totally legit, people change their minds all the time and not having any skin in the game makes that very easy. 

You absolutely NEVER let a customer make you put your money in the game while they have no skin in the game.

Also, I suggest building a solid team around you for your first few investments to get some skin in the game before branching out on your own.

Or, do they always want you to have 25% skin in the game?

You have to burn the ships and put a little skin in the game to show you're serious.  

This could be structured into the deal, as it would definitely put "skin into the game".While it really wouldn't help to sell the shop per se, as it doesn't add value to the detriment of the area and lack of foot traffic, it is a better and efficient system than the radiated heat.Any thoughts, even anything outside of what I said, is GREATLY appreciated!

I have a realitive who takes everything you say litterally and has rather thin skin, his feelings are easily hurt.

The best thing you can do for your first few projects is partner up with an experienced real estate investor while you get some skin in the game.