This is to insure that I, the investor, has "skin in the game" so to speak, makes sense.

I love that you have skin in the game and are taking steps to be thoughtful in your responsibility as a builder to provide more functionality and outdoor space for future tenants. 

If it works out, it may be a game changer for you.

It's all part of the game.

Next time I'm around, if you're game, I'd love to see one of your facilities if that's an option.Cheers!

As @Taylor L. mentioned lenders often want to see the GP have some skin in the game besides loan guarantees. 

Here are the first things that come to mind- however it is important to understand that RE is a long term game and in order to get something of value something of value has to be given whether that is time, energy, or money, etc. 

This is a long term play and you don't come up for air until 15-20 years in the game and start paying off the properties.

So what I was thinking (say the numbers make sense) that we find a private/hard money lender, put a small down payment so that we have skin in the game too not just the lender, increase the interest rate so it’s beneficial to the lender, rehab the duplex, and increase rental price, then refinance in 1 year having a background of tenants to show the bank, and to pay back the lender so it’s a short term investment.What do you guys think?

I'm ready to start investing and I'm really itching to get into the game and start building a portfolio.