It's "put your money where your mouth is or where your offer is" showing good faith.In my layperson experience, I've seen on several occasions where 1. a contract was kicked out because it lacked a reasonable good faith deposit or EM was not given; 2. additional EM was required for the court to allow the contract to go forward, this was in Bankruptcy Court as well.Let's not forget, for these issues to arise, generally, the contract is being contested, there is some question as to validity, there are many factors that considered in concert when there is a breach of contract, in my layperson opinion, we need to consider the size and scope of the transaction, the circumstances, intent, are the parties dealing in their best interest and on a somewhat level playing field?

What a horrible experience and sucks that it put a bad taste in your mouth for private passive lending.

It would also show that you're serious, and not just blabbing your mouth about wanting to get into real estate.Way Two: Place ads.

This helps you to know what you are going to say before you open your mouth.

Absolutely no dust gets in and they don't make you sweat around your mouth like those do nothing white cups with a rubber band on them.

If you make all cash offers you should be certain that you can put your money (or financing) where your mouth is.Cheers,John

With all that being said I can offer you is (blank).The biggest piece of advice I can give you is this: Once you give that number don't say another word, keep your mouth shut and wait for a response...Then you know where to go from there.  

From a newbie to others...I thought the same and said, nahhhh, I can wait for cards...Well, as soon as you open your mouth about your motives, you will be asked for a card...I ended up giving a business card from my day job and it didn't look so good...So the next day I setup my name, website and business cards are in the mail now....I didn't think it was a big deal until it was a big deal...grab some cards, even if they don't have much info on them, it's enough to let people get in touch with you!

After that just shut your mouth and watch them go.

Do it wrong, and you could be left with such a bad taste in your mouth that you abandon any hope of a second REI venture.