I'm not sure this is the right forum, but..It doesn’t take long around here to earn respect for other members.

Speaking of Earnest Money, is there a rule of thumb with respect to the amount a Buyer should include with an offer?

That's actually two questions...If it's non-refundable, technically you can do what ever you want with it.As for how you account for it, that's a negotiation between you and the seller.Would suggest you have a written document that spells out what you're both agreeing to with respect to the money.What I teach is that you get a minimum of 2X what you put up for the deposit/EMD.As an example, if your EMD is $1,500, then you should collect $3,000, non-refundable.

By statute, the lawyer and trustee are exempt (4735.01(I)(d) and 4735.01(I)(b) respectively) as is the broker.

Derek, with all so respect, I believe you're asking too many questions that have been answered multiple times already here on BP...when you have such broad questions, do a little of your own research first.

I agree with Jon's second paragraph, but make a respectful slight disagreement with the first.

Theres isn't much of the "internet trolling" phenomenon in the forums because people have a different level of respect for BiggerPockets and the culture here.

My husband and I were one of the first to go through the Flipping Formula and we are members of the "Inner Circle" that being said, I love Dave and Peter and have nothing but respect for them BUT I don't think my husband and I would do it again if we could.

Like anything business people will make an attempt to show you what they have or do, which I respect because I am not here to build a social media friend fest.Fortunately I have been in the real estate industry for 20 years plus now, I started in 1991 and never looked back.

Deborah BurianAt least they were friendly and relatively respectful.