But once you get into 5+ units, it becomes a different game so be prepared to spend some considerable time learning the apartment sector before getting into a deal (there are a ton of great resources available).

At least they are licensed and have access to MLS.. and because they have been in the game for years they fully understand the transactions and have some pretty deep pipelines..

So the only value proposition you bring is you found the deal and will marshal it but you have no skin in the game other than time.. that is the hurdle you need to over come.Personally since I am the person your looking for I would not do this for someone who is knew.So to that end I would be looking for a equity partner FIRST.. get some deals and experience then you can go fishing for gap.. you can show them your done deals and your success's. and you will have some capital to put in even if its nominal.so this Gap theme is just soup de jour for I have no money and trying to do no money down 100% leveraged deals.

I am a new home owner with interest in getting into the real estate game.

They did not respond so it appears they are another game player.

However, neither guy didn't want to do the deal insisting that I need "skin" in the game. 

If you are in the flipping game then I would strongly consider lightening up on exposure and inventory. 

He is new to the game as well and I'm sure he will want to protect himself by assessing the deal before he agrees to it.  

It has been my experience that if someone is up to something they will try and do it with no skin in the game.  

"skin in the game").$19k isn't a TON of money.