I am giving myself til Monday to make a decision (her March rent was deposited today --- want to make sure it clears).

Depending on your state you may need a separate bank account for your tenant's security deposit.

So, for a cash sale of $27,500 you might give an earnest money deposit of $1000 making that 5% fee $50. 

The condo will rent for $1,500/month with a $1,500 security deposit.                                                                                       

Now the terms at these auctions are usually $5,000 Deposit in Cash or Certified Funds due the day of auction; balance to 10% due within 5 business days, and Close in 30 days.

Asking a potential buyer to place an earnest deposit at risk without providing at least some insight into actual financials seems unreasonable to me.    

The seller informed us that they do not have a formal lease with the tenants or security deposits. 

As for putting 20% down vs 0-3.5%, I generally DON'T believe that putting more deposit down than needed by your Lender, just to improve cash flow, is a good idea.

Expenses must include a PM3 - Initial cost (cash in) must be no more than the maximum % of ARV needed by the initial REI (seller) that would leave that REI enough equity to keep enough CF/M to make it worth it for them to stay on as Deal ManagerExit Requirements (or Entrance from the Buyin point of view)1 - Splits of available (see Entrance Requirements #3) equity must be divided up evenly2 - Cash flow is split the same ratios as Equity splits3 - Property is held in an LLC, and the Equity Splits are actually membership splits of the LLC...not the property, because...4 - The LLC is the asset, and income source, for the LLCSince I started doing this, I find myself filling orders more than trying to fill Equity Slots...especially with my Out of State REI/Partners.  

I have a deposit for the model 3 as we probably going to buy 2 of those.if this roof is as advertised I will put them on everything I touch.