Idk if this is the right spot but, I have never been staked before. Is it normal to give back what is put in? I would be playing live and its a 40 min drive there and a 40 min drive back. Should a 50% stake for a tourney receive 50% back? Or is normal to ask for 50% of the buy-in for less back? (I was thinking 35-40%) since I am driving at possibly sitting there for 6-8 hours. Thanks in advance.

There are staking forums under the Two Plus Two tab in the 'left side' menu.

It is very normal to give back the exact same percentage of the buy-in if you cash the tournament. Some 'good' players will charge a 'mark-up' which the player then gets to keep. So if you had a $1000 BI and charged a 1.05 mark-up you would collect $420 for a 40% stake and so forth.

A stake can have numerous reason behind it and those reason will affect the 'deal' cut between staker and player. It is your agreement that you need to live with, so put whatever conditions on it that you want ... as long as the other person agrees to it!

1) Are you staking to reduce your risk?
2) Are you staking because you can't afford the whole BI?
3) Are you a 'good' player with a track record of results?
4) Are you just looking to get staked because you heard about it? (Dont' do this)

If you know some other tournament players you may be able to talk to them about it. Don't ruin current relationships by smooth talking others into this .. it's a serious subject that can have long lasting effects.

Cash game staking is a whole different ballgame in most cases .. not getting into that here right now. GL

If you ask the bank for a loan, do you deduct gas money and the time you put in to work with the capital from the amount of money you pay back?

If it's a tourney and you sell action at face value (no markup), then whatever percentage of the buy-in you sell is the same percentage of the gross payout you promise to pay.

e.g. If you sell 50% of your action in a tourney with a $100 buyin...
If you cash for $200, you have to give $100 to your staker (and you both profit $50).
If you (min)cash for $100, you give $50 to your staker (and you both break even).
If you fail to cash, both you and the staker get nothing (you each lost a $50 investment).

To sell at markup (e.g. someone agree to stakes 50% of the buyin, but only gets 49% of the winnings), you usually need to establish that you have a clear edge on the field, because otherwise the staker is making a -EV investment. He has to be pretty gullible to pay for your travel expenses, because he doesn't earn anything from your journey.

Appreciate it guys. My friend just had a baby and I know he will be upset missing a tourney coming up so I figured he could take half the buy-in to get his gambols on while at home with the newborn. Didn't want to offend him if I offered the wrong amount. Makes since tho. Thanks again.

PS. I will keep you posted about the bank loan, if all else fails