There are a ridiculous number of options, and all have success stories and horror stories. 

Before you say 'you should have the money to get into a contract' I normally wouldn't be in this situation but I've just closed on a property that was all cash 2 weeks ago and a friend calls me on a property that's truly an amazing deal that I want to get into contract (has stable tenants renewing contracts above market, I can get for under market).

@Tayvion Payton - All great feedback.

@Ben Whittingtoni hear you and that all makes sense... if you don't have that much liquid, though, I think it will probably be a huge, huge grind. 

Any/all thoughts on these points or some others that have great ROI will be appreciated.

Buyer of course walks and all monies are refunded.  

Thank you for any and all advice.

Might want to also confirm community property nature of the underlying asset.

After all, if a fellow investor is willing to take unethical actions in a contract or against a buyer or seller, what makes anyone think this person won't also lack ethical principles when dealing with YOU directly? 

Remember, caveat emptor on all real estate transactions.