HUD requiring buyer to choose lender?

[Salley Smith]

I am in the process of trying to buy a HUD home, and my contract was ratified last Tuesday. I just found out that we have to do a 203K loan yesterday, after finally hearing back from HUD and the listing agent. Now, my buyers agent says I have to have my lender chosen by Friday. They say it is a 10 day deadline. The problem is I don't yet have the bids yet for the 203K, so I haven't been able to choose a lender yet, since no one wants to run even preliminary numbers without the bids. Has anyone heard of this deadline? Does it have to be a completely final choice? Any imput would be appreciated.