I've known him for several years since we're in a private mastermind together.

I'd also go in with your own agent.I'd bet the listing agent's company is keeping the deposit even though it is meant to be in trust. 

- Are there alternative financing options, like private lenders or hard money loans, that could be suitable for someone with fluctuating income?

They sit empty because the costs to update them to code make a project unfeasible for private money. 

Research financing options like conventional loans, FHA loans, owner financing, or private lenders.Good luck!

If you can start with a 2-4 unit house hack and add cosmetic rehab that’s your best bet to get your feet wet.

However, an option holder won’t be able to stop a private sale from occurring (unless they find out about it before hand and obtain an injunction); the option holder would most likely need to initiate legal action after the fact. 

You want overnight money, go bet on penny stock small cap biopharma and biotech stocks.

 @Jackson Hanssen Private message sent. 

Megan, Not sure if I can help you exactly, but a few items that might help: 1) As you are out having conversations with potential private money lenders, you can start the conversation about "Did you know you can use IRA, or old employer 401k funds to make private money loans, secured by real estate?"