I’m very new to the real a state, I have no skin in the game yet, but I’m very serious about proceeding on this road.

The hard money lenders that I've worked with in Houston have required you to have some skin in the game even if they're willing to lend almost 100%.

On the other hand, someone who is single or simply without kids may be ok renting and building wealth through investments.... 1,000 ways to skin this cat.  

I've also considered the idea of rehabbing the place while I lived there so that increases my partnership value.Theoretically would anyone find value in this trade off to get a lower down payment and have an unlicensed  "contractor" with skin in the game and a personal desire to do a good job rehabbing?

However I would not consider them to be truly passive because they do not put any skin into the game like a good passive investment does (via a sizable coinvestment).

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

I think it takes a little moxie to do it and thick skin.

If they won’t do it they may connect you with someone who will. 250K is quite a bit of skin in the game as they say. 

If you look hard enough I am sure you can find someone to give you money but you are going to pay a high price especially if you have no skin in the game i.e. you are looking for purchase and rehab money. 

You could see about seller carry-backs for all or a portion of the DP, however; banks might not like this either as you don't have enough skin in the game.