Skin in the game doesn't just mean money, it means the time you've invested in research and education. 

It all comes down to 50 or more years of no Inspections with Deferred Maintenance by the criminal HOA's which now have to be paid for in short time with Zero Money in the Reserve Accounts.

Do you need to know how to find private money?

There are a couple of variables going on.You should be able to use the lease, especially if you can show the money going into your bank account for a few months. 

Have you thought about utilizing OPM (Other Peoples Money), so you don't have all of your cash tied up into one deal?

This might come off as mean, but try to earn more money so you do not need FHA.

You'll have to see if living with non-family renters is allowed in that apartment, but it is a way to get started - have others pay for your housing to save money and then rinse and repeat for a couple years. 

Money had to be invested upfront, but the return has been great.For me an investment is required to meet several criteria.

Although most hosts don't allow it, they're leaving lots of money on the table.Tread cautiously as this does violate many platform's terms of service.Additional steps are required to protect yourself, which I'll review in the Drawbacks Section of this postGoogle SEODepending on your niche and location, you can rank on Google Search for "rentals in your city".

There are already a number of STR listings on the MLS which have reduced prices since listing and these owners are likely going to be sad when they can't get the money back out they paid.