I suggest an aggressive principal pay down so they can have skin in the game.

Unless you are a veteran or using a DPA program all loan products require some skin in the game (down payment) and that is how most people start their portfolios. 

First, you need to stop listenng to your girlfriend, who has zero 'skin in the game'.

Where each party has some skin in the game holds everyone accountable.

Securing 100% financing for a project is quite rare because lenders typically want you to have some skin in the game.

The one thing I'm short on- this mythical 10%-30% "skin in the game" that everyone wants to see before they fund your project.In SoCal, where I'm from, houses start out in the $350K-$450K range for 3 BR entry level homes. 30% of $400K is $120,000.

Then add 9k in closing plus whatever skin you are putting in (20%= 60k).

Just a different way of skinning the REI cat.

Once you have skin in the game you will learn super fast.

In general, lenders want to see-Skin in the game-Ability to repay the loanTips:Be able to provide as much detail about the deal as you can (budget, property history, rent roll, future performance, etc)Be able to highlight your strengths as a borrower even if you don't have a lot of experienceAlthough Davian, I would advise against taking a loan from anyone who doesn't check your credit.