The risk to you is that by selling partial ownership you may be selling a security under the Federal definition and therefore depending on the method used to find investors could be violating Federal or state securities regulations.  

Not only was the security deposit 'owner held', but January rent was sent as well. 

If this is the route you were looking to go, if you wanted to be compensated for it, you would need to become FINRA licensed, since you are effectively being compensated for the trading of securities.

Here are some things I would suggest.1.Get Pre-Approved: Secure pre-approval for a mortgage to understand your budget and show sellers you’re serious.2.

@Daniel Mendez As much as possible.If we do a holding agreement to take the unit off the market we try to get them to pay the first month rent and any other move in costs other than the security deposit, which they pay at lease signing. 

Leveraging Jamie's local market expertise, we secured the property for $80,000.

Leveraging Heather's local market expertise, we secured the property for $116,000.

It's generally advisable to have a guarantor in such lease agreements, as it provides an additional layer of security.

Leveraging Heather's local market expertise, we secured the property for $116,000.

Leveraging their local market expertise, we secured the property for $195,000.