So it seems the market has become stronger with the lack of availability. 

Of course, if you can do it with out needing the cash back, your offer is stronger. 

Definitely focusing on building stronger relationships with lenders.

Also based on advise and on my notes taken from BP Books and BP articles: - All cash offers are stronger - Offer to close faster than other offers - If applicable Give two offers, as the seller could compare your offers rather than their asking price - Offer more earnest money - Provide pre-Aproval letter - Stick to your numbers don’t let emotions take over you - Ask the seller what their lowest price is and go lower - Simply Ask is that the best you can do ?

A larger deposit is a stronger bond for a closing, IMHO.

Having EM does make you a "stronger" buyer so as you achieve some success, consider saving a portion of your profits to use as EM.

Inventory shortages continue...buyer deman is even stronger...multiple offers and bidding wars are back in full affect....buyers paying seller closing costs to win the bid....its like 2012-2013 all over again!

If it doesn't kill me it just makes me stronger and smarter!

Realtors are reporting stronger foot traffic from a year ago, but low supply in the affordable price range continues to be the pest that’s pushing up price growth and pressuring the budgets of prospective buyers."

If they needed a stronger guarantee, it sounds like he could provide that.