I get the concept of analysis paralysis - but maybe it is 'analysis-not-making-sense-icus"... to invent a new term.I think beginners need to realize that the real estate market is cyclic.  3-5 years ago both properties and money were cheap.  

We plan to utilize hard money but I am interested in opinions for other options.

Chances are, the living arrangements and property use is not as it was supposed to be.If the money is good, set a lease with extra provisions for the dope house cleanup when the tenant leaves.You can't charge for the plants, but you can charge for uncommon use of the property.

I've also put in my earnest money. 

I would chat with a conventional lender to verify, as I mainly just do DSCR/hard money. 

Partnered with a friend and raised $250K for down payment and raised the rest through hard money.

Decline the Zillow application option, that's where they get money out of you.

Hey Tara, Are you currently on a hard money loan?

This post says I can use a bond or surety which sets money aside to account for the lien amount and then get the lien off the title.

Don’t touch the money, get the QI step before you close.