Offer the most attractive terms and if the deal still looks good offering a bit over list you will be more likely to get the offer accepted.

If that is so, just insist on your previously stated conditions and give applicant 1) 24 hours to accept those and not much longer to sign the lease and hand you 2 months of deposit plus first month rent.

I'm not going to accept a bad deal.

This would be a reason for non-acceptance, then you do not have to wonder it is just your policy and you are sticking to the rules. 

I think I would only accept cash from a foreign company who wanted to be involved with me on a real estate deal.  

No chooses to live in a high crime, low rent area where gun shots are accepted as normal background noise. 

What is an acceptable/reasonable interest rate to split with a hard money lender? 

I doubt a good agent will allow the seller to accept your offer if you don't have a solid financial status.

I believe that there are auctioneers who will accept a flat fee regardless if the property sells but you must do your own marketing.

Many in this generation will be relegated to relying almost exclusively on Social Security income alone.