I need to know if I have any options here other than to risk losing my 3% earnest money deposit and the most amazing house for my family.My wife and I made an offer on a bigger house and we were very fortunate that the buyer picked us.  

Its best to pick one that fits your personality and wallet.  

Prices have been picking up too.  

@Casey Miles This is my 5th year doing RE, but it's only in last 18 months or so that I have really picked up flipping part of my business.

(pick up the phone and call the seller realtor to get actual expense numbers)total time: less than 1 minute.Don't dwell on the x% scale.  

I think you picked a good house to start on.  

Her business has picked up a bit over the past few years, but more leads would be great for her business.

Just by way of example, a nice property in a major metro came upon a major listing site recently, and for the love of God you cannot get through to the broker/owner who listed it because everyone recognizes it for the deal it is and he's got his pick of the litter.Conversely, I've encountered brokers with less hot offerings in less hot states (10-12% caps in Ohio, Indiana etc), but they're just difficult.

I'm not trying to jerk them around, just like to be in the strongest position possible.In fact, waiting back on an answer from the bank now about picking up 3 more quad's & a duplex in one deal.  

Too many young people who want to get rich fast pick the wrong way of doing it.