At 20% down, that's your skin in the game, IMO a motivated seller should be accepting that.

Fortunately I was able to find skilled and trustworthy contractors, and share equity stake with them to give them skin in the game and ambition to be successful.To get the seller to closing, I built a short but meaningful relationship with the seller.

I will teach you how better than ANY guru can.You just need to trust me that this list is important and give it your all to take it seriously.1) Grow  thick skin. 

The moment anyone even mentions "house" I pop up with my leopard skin towel around my butt swinging from tree to tree, in their heads !

If you're going to be in RE, you need thick skin anyway, better to grow it here than with someone on some deal. :)

Being new, lenders will want skin in the game.To understand what types of loans are available, look up; purchase money loan, construction loan, bridge loan, end loan, blanket loan and equity loan. :) 

You didn't mention it, but will he have any skin (money) in this deal?

I know that getting your skin in the game is probably one of the best learning experiences so excited to get started.Best,Joe

I know this is where the "skin in the game" phrase comes from, just wondering what combination of private/personal/extra financing folks are using.

It does take money to make money, but there are many other ways to skin a cat.