Just be careful, because a Heloc functions as a 2nd loan on your property and you can lose your primary if you fail to pay (this is also true if you refi or do an Equity loan and fail to pay).

The issue I seeing in College Station is all the Big Players see that as well.

You can be in the perfect market but if you don't know what you are doing you will lose money.  

How much income tax do you pay on losing $36?

If so, you are the sucker here......he has none of his money in the deal and you have a good chance of losing most of yours. 

Owner agrees to grant access to the Property for appraisals sought by Buyer, but if the Property is leased to one or more third parties Owner agrees only to request that the tenant(s) grant such access; this Agreement is NOT CONTINGENT upon the conduct or results of any appraisal.”I am exploring ways to get away from the contract and not lose my deposit.Thank you

Turns out I would lose −$174.53 each and every month right out of the gate.

As you can see I am a brand new player in real-estate investment, so I just started to read Brandon Turner's book: Rental Property Investing.

Do I play hardball and risk losing the deal or just accept to buy at my original full price offer?

What was important was Trust, good planning, good communication, honesty, integrity of all players, your prior due diligence, personal awareness & to just proceed w caution on each step yes... but move forward and Proceed on!