They have no skin in the game as far as saving money on utilities because it doesn't cost them any extra to leave a window open in the winter.Another thought if it is too costly to install a separate gas meter, See what the average gas bill was for this unit during last winter, add $50 to that per month and charge the tenant this amount above what market rents are.

But hey, we knew getting in to this type of property there would be a little bit of a learning process.Some properties keep the old dark paneling others paint.

In my experience flaky/squirrel-y people or people that are not well grounded in reality are pretty bad at hiding their true colors over a longer period of time.You are talking about a lot of money going in and, if you do it right, even more money coming out and a long time before you reap the benefits.

You have some skin in the game, learn the game, and stack your chips all at once.  

I am a full time investor.There are many ways to skin a cat as they say...….However, is there really any point flipping property when a market is rising/appreciating.

I think you need to be straight with the bank and ask them what is the minimum equity/skin you need to fork out and show them some knowledge of your plan in the next 1-3 years.

You're looking for the bare metal part of the wire, not the insulation - if it's silver-colored, it's aluminum. 

i understand the "skin in the game" that lenders want you to have invested, im just confused as to the "no or low money down" purchasing of real estate so often spoken of here...the only way i see that occuring is to have someone else  (friend/family) loan you the 10-20% down, then bring in a private lender for the rest so we can present "all cash" offers....??   

You have an opportunity, and you state it's a great deal, but then you leave the reader in the dark.

The current landlord may sugar coat it just to get rid of them but the previous ones got no skin in the game anymore.