It certainly can work but seems like there is always a stronger value add for those who have the capability to either a) find a reliable GC who is aligned with your mission and can get the work needed completed fairly and quickly, or b) get your hands a little dirty. 

We feel those journeys have done nothing but make us stronger as individuals and a couple.  5 years ago we had a growing 401K, owned a beautiful home and had no debt other than our home.  

I have just seen cases where it doesn't matter if the earnest money is 1,000 or 50,000 if it is non-refundable the buyer has a much stronger commitment.If not the buyer who wants to get out of the deal will just "lawyer up" and try to find an out and get back EM.You can also have it where at a certain point in the contract the EM becomes non-refundable.

I believe they appreciate stronger in my market.

If all the properties are just in your name then my recommendation would be even stronger and would probably be for 2mm - 5mm limits. 

The local group is going great and getting stronger each month.

We have moved a good amount over the last 5+ years and I wanted to wait until we chose an area that we would make permanent so we wouldn't have issues when moving from place to place.However with that being said my urge for wanting to begin investing is growing stronger and my patience for waiting is fading.

He is stronger than ever!

I've found having cash has put me in a stronger than average position because when I say I'll close in 5 or 10 days, my usual deal, I MEAN IT. 

Don't let it get to you, experiences like this make you a stronger landlord in the long run.