Are you trying to buy a property or wholesale and if either, is your money in order to be making these calls? 

This deposit will let you know if buyer is serious about buying.

Hi Michael, it depends on the loan product/type and the corresponding guidelines. 

I typically buy/sell in urban areas where there's a sewer system and public water, so I need resources/referrals for this situation. 

The Buyer has no skin in the gameIf someone is approaching you to buy your house without a mortgage or conventional financing and are tying you into a long-term contract they better have some sort of collateral that they're putting up.

I always try to find a real estate agent just starting out and call and say can we meet for lunch or a cup of coffee, and then I never say what I need I say will it be ok if I refer investors or buyers, your way and my services is free but maybe one day you can help me or buy lunch.Joe Gore

I was able to buy a 4 unit for 75k through my credit union in Upstate NY

As I am now focused more on cash and creative wholesales-SFR & Land, to eventually do fix and flips, buy n holds.

I am not a burn-the-boats type of person, and I am more productive with a backup plan.

For the smell, buy an ozone machine off amazon (have the unit empty while it is running-same with upstairs if the airflow is connected).