So, I am a senior in college and have been in the real estate game for a couple of years.

A little off topic, but I used to work for an employment agency (for the agency) and made 100s of calls for job references.Many employers will only state black and white facts, ie if the employee worked there, the time frames, their salary and title. 

You're not a wholesaler trying to quickly get a contract signed and submitted to the title company to lock in your deal.

If you want to play the negotiation game do as Franco suggests.

But I’m also getting married in August, so I can’t afford some colossal real estate purchase — even at only 3.5% DP.What/where should my game plan be to live somewhat comfortably, and leave in a couple years with a cash-flow property?

You're in good company, I have a lot of friends in the REI game in your area.

The kicker is, I really don't have the ability to put skin in the game.

I'd suggest using a Title company and Escrow company with an attorney drawing up the paperwork.

Then a day or two later, another annoying message, titled, "the break up." 

As a buyer, I may want to take title, if I do that I can pull equity in a refi.