Nowadays, I mostly do open houses so I don't have to cross the bridge and sit in traffic to do one-off showings and get applications online.  

I live in Jersey right outside Philadelphia so I can go over the bridge.  

I have sent this man $2250 for a bridge loan and got nothing he wanted me to send another 500 to get the loan.

You haven't signed an agreement, but you may be burning a bridge.

Depending on your exit strategy, a "bridge-to-perm" loan may be a good option here.

As mentioned, you will find it difficult to do an equity HELOC on a property listed for sale, however, some lenders do offer "Bridge loans" they can be a little difficult to find these days, but, some Banks and Mortgage companies still offer them, it is a loan against the listed home to finance the down payment on the new home purchase.

Your past rent is water under the bridge.

Corey,You will not be forced to buy the house but chances are you can say goodbye to your earnest money deposit...if you are dealing with a realtor you should be prepared to buy the house anyway so that you don't burn bridges in your area.

I think the bats are in season right now under the Congress Bridge so you may check that out if you're downtown.

You also don't have a specific "bridge event" that temporary hard money lending is set up to address.If any of it is seller-financed, try to renegotiate terms to lighten the debt service.