The Purchaser will be entitled to a refund of earnest money only if the Purchaser obtains an independent lead-based paint inspection or risk assessment performed by a Certified Lead-Based Paint Inspector or Risk Assessor, and the Purchaser provides HUD with a copy of the inspection report.This seems to me like if we got this LBP inspection done and there is LBP in the home, we can at least walk and get our $1k earnest money deposit back.  

@Jacob PhillipsAt a minimum (beside from your security deposit), you should have cash on hand to replace one of the major mechanical equipment (often the AC/Heater units).   

We lost part of our deposit because we cannot prove sellers know the foundation issue.We found we were fooled by our agent.

I required a deposit to hold the home.

@Adrian Hollifield most I have dealt with will give money in stages like a bank loan on a house big or major rehab i.e. sheetrock done $10k, paint done $5k, cabinets in $15k, etc sp you don't need to front it all, but you need to front the deposit and some progress payments if the lender is slow on releasing payments.

@Lena S. Lots

This "buyer" put down $20 EMD---earnest money deposit.

He didn't give me the impression that he wanted a large deposit, and he was happy with anything. 

I'm putting in an offer for my first ever Duplex this month and I have been fully catching up on laws, fees, security deposits, etc but I can't seem to come around the correct article to help me make the correct choice in choosing between a personal checking account or a business one.

I typically guarantee my house will be ok, by making sure i get a security deposit equivalent to one months rent, AND getting the first months rent.