Earnest Money--Required or Suggested

[Ivan Jenkins]

I am fairly new to the world of commercial real estate. We are looking to close on a multi-family complex in a college town. We have been told that it is recommended that my partners and I offer $15k-$20k in earnest money for this deal. We have the financing, proof of funds, and management in place...we just can't spare that amount for earnest money.

Are there any creative strategies or ways that any savvy commercial investors have used out there to avoid putting down earnest money in commercial real estate transactions? Any suggestions would be welcomed.