I say ok, I think I can come up with say 10K to get "skin in the game" which should cover the 4 points easily on the type of deal I am looking at.

This is not my area of expertise, but you should be able to find some information to help you get smart on the subject at http://www.aaplonline.com/Rules vary from state to state, so you need someone, an attorney or an active local private lender's, guidance to help set you up for success.

Do what you know and enjoy, getting creative doesn't necessarily make you more money, it likely means you are taking on more risk and playing a game you aren't prepared for.Everyone's goal in real estate is to create a machine, where in, you stick $1 in the front and it spits $1.20 out the back. 

No need to ensure appropriate safeguarding of SSNAnother benefit of not collecting a SSN is the landlord doesn’t have to worry about adhering to all of the varying and confusing state laws around protection of personal identifiable information (PII).

Usually it's a case of beer, or tickets to a Cardinals game, but never cash.

I like your game plan Matt!  

Cap X, Repairs, and vacancy are going to vary from property to property.

Good for people who don't want to use variable loans or whose income is highly variable since Penn allows you to stop and start (or vary) the paid up additions inside of 5-year blocks/windows.You can also go reduced paid-up in any year beyond (I think) the 5th year. 

 $100k x65%=$65k - $15k = $50k MAO [max allowable offer]If it's a rental - it varies on the area and the rent amount.  

Seems like a good way to get your feet wet, get in the game, and start saving up for the next one.