That stuff is no skin off of my nose, so however it got fixed was fine.We ran into the problems when we were on the exterior, and she dropped her head at one point and said that she had forgotten to check if the gutters were being maintained.  

Always make sure they also have skin in the game.Other option would be to invest in yield based syndications, which are similar to private lending as you get interest only payments back monthly, do not have to worry about finding the deal, and the returns are very similar or better if the sponsor structured the offering in ways that could provide tax preferential treatment (dividend vs. ordinary income). 

The benefit of having a local property manager / partner is to have someone local with skin in the game, not just looking for a one-shot commission.  

@Weis Sherdel  if it is just a skin in the game issue, then it becomes much more simple, just base it on the numbers. 

Try to find some local investors that you can work for or maybe get into a dealer to with them with a little skin in the game to get them to teach you how it's done.  

Problem is people want "skin in the game" which if I had 30% or so...

I would be willing to put more of my own skin in the game then the standard 10% to make it work.

I had to 'check myself' when I was irritated at the 3% (In this case...I understand it would have been at least that if he brought me the buyer)...They all said it was excessive.  

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

Typically, you just need more skin in the game when starting off, so, 20-30% for first time or newer investors, rates (9-12%+) and fees (2-5 points plus closing costs) will typically be higher as well and after you get a few completed and have the resume, you can start getting better rates and terms.