Change jobs and adjust to a more frugal lifestyle.Keep in mind that a paycheck to paycheck life style is by choice not circumstance.

My suspicion is that there are extenuating circumstances, you did the math wrong, or this is very far inland.

Engage a professional to consider your and your partners facts and circumstances before you start setting up companies.

If you can afford to come to closing with a check then get out now and learn from it.I dont think there is an easy answer for you but these are the two things that I have done in the past due to similar circumstances as you have stated.

Do you think that is a reasonable ask given the circumstances mentioned above and any recommendations on negotiation techniques?

Someone who examine your facts and circumstances and advise you on tax entity structuring and treatment of payments/expenses.If the washing business is a disregarded entity, there would be no deduction as you're just moving money "from one pocket to the other".If an S Corp or C Corp, possibly, but then we'd have to look at: is the payment reasonable, ordinary and necessary. 

It seems to fit the circumstances nicely. 

People are always in some sort of circumstances that have a financial factor and a wholesale buyer can bring a solution swiftly.

For rent controlled properties in LA, the "relocation" fee for the tenant is $7900-$20450 depending on the circumstances. 

So whether it’s a equity court (small claims) or a judicial court no judge or jury is going to allow the woman beater To have effective Tenant RIghts Under The cIrcumstances presented here.