(EDIT: I want to emphasize that I don't think this is a good thing to do as a habit or to be sneaky.

I want to emphasize the get started part.

@Steve Balinski - Completely understand your frustration, but I want to emphasize that your first deal doesn't have to be perfect. 

Instead we are emphasizing our 360 degree virtual tours and ensuring ALL questions about the neighborhood, unit and building are answered so any prospective renter will have a high level of confidence of applying and wanting to lease before seeing it in person.On a separate, but related note, we have already seen inquiries across our portfolio from renters that are asking for concessions, issuing notices to vacate or sharing stories of job loss and anticipated difficulty for paying rent.

With both of those situations lingering the larger servicers who have a large chunk of securitized loans will have some 'massive' and I emphasize "massive" cash problems. 

------------------------------------------I can not emphasize enough that we do this only after a tenant has notified us of a possible issue with payment related to COVID-19.

Everything above...and I want to emphasize the fact that the seller will have a hard time selling this if they have to relist it.You're looking at potentially losing your EMD (which as stated above you shouldn't)...the seller is losing a lot more if they don't drop the price based on your electric quote.Also, you should be getting your EMD back and your agent would be losing their commission if the agent can't/won't get the EMD back for you...and you walk...which you should do if the above doesn't work as you need it to (notice I said NEED and not want). 

@Reed Meyer I know I mentioned The Slight Edge last night...going to emphasize that again by channeling my inner David Greene with an analogy Investing in real estate is like going to the gym.

@John Collins you didn’t include your dissatisfaction in your original post, which makes me wonder if you are emphasizing it after the fact to justify a course of action you aren’t comfortable with.Same answer, you made an agreement you should honor it.

They emphasize that I have a “better chance” of getting it with cash.