I had the funds save up from playing professional sports only for 1 year and released. 

They may not be able to release details but should be able to give you some info as to when the bill started to accumulate and the source of who/when some of the tiny payments have been coming in from etc...How ere the utilities not shut off?

It gives the seller the ability to release the debt from the property and gain the equity they had in cash to use for their next home. 

If you don't find another property to buy within your allotted window, the funds will be released to you.

If you are 100% SURE you will have the money available ask the seller for a 2 day extension and offer to release your EMD as non-refundable so the seller knows you’re not just stringing them along. 

@Gina WeeI agree that celebration may be excessive.

It's not as simple as just releasing desks.

I hope you learned a valuable lesson. research contractors before giving them a check, give them a small down payment to start and release funds as the work is complete.

I look back and celebrate the times I pressed on and broke through.

If you do get the note at a discount AND you got the deed to the property, you can do a release of lien on the property and you own it at a great price.Lots of moving pieces, but it is done more often than you think.