Some documents require “wet” signatures… meaning hand signed.  

Book recommendation #1: Hands Off Investor by @Brian Burke https://store.biggerpockets.com/products/the-hands-off-inves...Book recommendation #2: Lend to Live https://store.biggerpockets.com/products/lend-to-livePodcast Recommendation: PassivePockets podcast is focused on passive investing in syndications - https://passivepockets.com/podcast/Passive investing summit: PassivePockets Summit May 2-3rd in Columbus https://get.biggerpockets.com/passivepocketsevent/I make these recommendations specifically since you mentioned passive real estate investing, and syndications or hard money lending are really the two most passive ways to invest in real estate. 

One last question - is your assistant actually hand writing the envelop?

Then make the decision if being a hands on landlord is something you are realistically interested in. 

Collaborating with seasoned investors or assisting with deal analysis can also provide valuable hands-on experience.Good luck!

Cash on hand: 8.

Either way, you have options which is great to have at 22 years old with equity in hand!

I don’t know anything first hand about the market, but I looked it up on Airdna.  

I was mislead and should seek mediation to recover some or all of the earnest/hand/deposit money?

I have known and worked with Matt for years.I have attended his training and hired him as a consultant.He is hands down the best at what he does.I have personally raised over $50 million for my hard money lending company.I am grateful for a lot of people who helping me with this success and Matt is at or near the top of that list.