Would you give high earnest money deposit to get better deal?

[Tyler Speelman]

Hello, Off market recently built duplex (2200 sq ft) with tax abatement. Gross rents are $1400 and below market rent ($1600 = market rent) Seller is all in at $190,000. Duplex is insured for $236,000. Seller is asking 231,000 ($105/sq ft) Seller says Duplex is almost paid off. Seller needs cash for new business venture unrelated to real estate and wants to sell ASAP. If cash offer is not doable - would you offer high earnest money deposit ($100,000) given to seller ASAP and finance the rest with conventional mortgage in exchange for lower purchase price? Thanks in advance for any advice.

[Catherine Emert]

@Tyler Speelman as a real estate broker I would advise you to make the release of the high earnest money conditional upon your acceptance of an inspection, conditional approval from underwriting etc. My biggest fear would be that you release that and something happens.