Now as someone who sells both residential and commercial real estate, I understand the fundamental differences. 

One thing I’m trying to fully understand is how the down payment works in practice. 

But I understand people who would rather not have any debt.

hi @Becca F.Yes, the language you posted is reasonable, but you should negotiate a written understanding about what happens if the seller pays nothing — because that is happening more post-settlement.And you are absolutely correct: paying 3% on a $400–500k property ($12–15k) is a huge out-of-pocket if you aren’t clear on how to offset it with seller credits or a capped fee.

It sounds like a great property, and I understand your situation with the down payment.

She also expressed a finer-grain understanding of the impact on the host's metrics (if it looks like I'm not accepting the booking) as she said she had to place a separate request for me not to be penalized.A few months ago, I could "push" through the acceptance by switching to the VRBO app on my phone (vs desktop- which is my preference).

everywhere you look, gurus are telling people to start wholesaling by doing agent outreachthey make it sound simple,  just call agents, get deals, and make quick moneybut the truth is, this advice is misleading and it’s hurting the real estate marketagents are getting flooded with calls from people who don’t understand contracts, laws, or even what wholesaling really meansit wastes time, damages trust, and makes agents less likely to work with real investors who actually know what they’re doingwholesaling can be done the right way, but not by spamming agents with bad advice from youtubeif people want to wholesale, they need to learn the business, follow state laws, and build real relationshipsanything less just adds more confusion and gives wholesaling a bad nameso if you're wholesaling, I'm telling you try off market deals first, get the experience, build up the capital and once you're able to start buying houses then contact agents

I’d recommend looking for an agent who really understands investor goals, not just retail buyers.

I need someone with some experience in similar projects in Miami Dade, even better in Miami Beach, to understand the costs involved to figure out if the investment is profitable 

I understand that saving money can slow the process but there is value in having good credit, discipline and being willing to put in the hard work to ensure you have good financial footing before you attempt to borrow hundreds of thousands of dollars for the first time.