I prefer buyers that know their numbers and who have skin in the game, but also aren’t afraid of deals.

Monthly Expenses = $2800 Per Month: Current Management Team = $1000.00Insurance = $224.00Real Estate Taxes = $92.00Fiber Optic High Speed Internet = $89.00Cable TV = $52.00Trash Dumpster = $55.00Sewer / Water = $186.00Natural Gas (average) = $142.00Electric = $327.00Housekeeping = $270.00Ongoing supplies = $230.00Maintenance = $133.00Total RenovationThe renovation started in 2011 and was completed 2016 with entire complex being gutted to the studs, then completely rebuilt fully furnished inside and out to new standards, as follows: 26 gauge top of the line triple epoxy coated metal roof26 gauge top of the line triple epoxy coated awning and patio coverSingle hung gas filled energy efficient EZ clean vinyl tip-out windows4 new natural gas water heatersAll new plumbing throughout entire complex/buildingOnly #1 Grade Premium lumber was used throughout entire renovationQuality Price Pfister plumbing fixtures and lifetime parts180 feet of new 4 inch sewer line from the building to the street tapNew premium exterior fiberglass dimensional Colonial style entry door with new door jams, aluminum thresholds, all new lock sets and peep holesCustom picture framed windows with decorative edging and exterior door trim to matchCommercial toilets: all new PEX plumbing, shut off valves, bullets, supply lines, hose bibs, angle stopsNew attic and wall insulation with vapor barrierUpgraded electrical, HE lighting, new fixtures, switches, outlets, breakers, energy efficient lighting, vapor lights, rope lighting and HE flood lightsCustom artistic signage (3) built by Management TeamNew drywall, texture and highest quality Valspar paint throughoutAll exterior wood was hand primed and hand paintedNew vinyl fencing for corner lotPremium Quality pillow top mattressesNew hand textured walls (office), ceiling and covered entryNew concrete sidewalks, kitchens, baths, showers stalls, toilets, vanities, cabinents, counter tops, sinks, refrigerators, microwaves, deep freezers, dryers, A/C units, flat screen TVsAll work has been documents and permitted

From a lenders perspective , borrowers who do not have any “skin in the game” are far less likely to see the project through in the event of a default.

Unfortunate for us newbies trying to get some skin in the game...patience is key I suppose!

However, if you're looking to test the waters --- I would start with a small SFR or a 1-4 unit that doesn't need extensive rehab to get some 'skin in the game' first.I've helped many out of state investors from BiggerPockets reach their goals in the Indianapolis Market.

@Derek V.Thanks Derek, appreciate this... and thanks for your kind words.As they say..... there are many ways to skin a cat.......What the bank has determined as its true value for me it what matters, I am not selling. 

The numbers are only going to get you so far.The numbers won't tell you if your GC is going to flake out and disappear three weeks into this rehab, if this dubious person hired a trim carpenter who doesn't know how to cope inside corners, if your flooring guy's going to assure you that of course there's no problem with having vinyl flooring in the kitchen of a home that you intend to sell for over half a million dollars, if you have plans on replacing those Lowes bargain bin flushlights in the kitchen and hall with something else, if your drywall guy will eventually tell you that, sorry, he knows nothing about plaster repair in structures dating from the 1920s, if that ceiling in the living room is popcorn, painted popcorn, asbestos-laden old painted popcorn, or just a knockdown texture finish, why there is a washing machine in the kitchen, and the hits just keep on comin'...Get in the weeds of the rehab analysis, Alon.

Most hard money lenders actually require more skin in the game than conventional or FHA financing. 

Hi @Greg Junge, I agree with @Ryan Swan and think you need a bit more skin in the game or your relationship with your partner may go south pretty quickly. 

Because lenders don't finance 100% and they require you to have skin (equity) in the game.