So I require skin in the game (average is 5% to 15%) to offset this.

Hard money may not require as much down, but you'll need some "skin in the game", and its pretty expensive.Is the property livable?

An attorney by even just talking about matters like this specific to your situation has some skin in the game given that they are paid to be authoritative on subjects (at least in terms of communicating risks, the law, etc to their clients).  

@Al Phillips  It's a little unclear from your post but reversing from the numbers it looks like the total purchase price is $140K so if you get 100K loan from the bank and the seller carries a 2nd position note for 40K you expect to get it with no money in it at all.In my experience, banks are not super thrilled about it because they want you to have some skin in  the game and regardless of the second not the underwriters usually ask to see enough for the down payment in your bank account for at least 30-60 days. 

Now the guy is carrying two mortgages and doesn't have a strong lead for another buyer.Here's the link to the listing.I don't really have a skin in this game: I'm not a wholesaler and I have never so much as visited Elkins Park.

They have more skin in the game then you do.Make sure you get clear title.

Buying an renting is a great way to build wealth and get some skin in the game in investing.

So in that case, a capital contribution from you does make sense.Typically investors want to see you have what's called: "skin in the game" This is because when you have something to risk, they feel more comfortable you'll see the deal through.

You had to have skin in the game .

After a couple of years of this I decided that people who didn't have any skin in the game didn't take it seriously and had no reason to NOT waste my valuable time.