Nonetheless, I agree... with your mortgage rate being so low, it seems like it makes sense to access the equity via other methods beyond refinancing. 

I agree with Afra at that price point it's best to start with flips that have $15K - $30K rehab budget to gain some experience and get a good team in place and then work your way up to larger rehabs with higher ARVs!

Yes, I agree with @John Underwood. 

Since the buyer agreed to make you the assignee, the assignee is responsible for providing the EMD to the seller.

Quote from @Deborah Wodell:  Agree with what @Jonathan Greene said above. 

I would agree, the rate is about par. 

Some states are mutual release, meaning the seller and buyer have to agree to the release of earnest money if the deal does not close.

I agree with @Jonathan Greene in terms of having a specific buy box - size, condition, and type of properties you wish to focus on.

Agree, Ring or some other camera monitoring  system, security systems will  have issues with alarms &  beeping and other issues which might be a nuisance for guests. 

Not everyone agrees with me, and I know that.