From what I understand, “contingent” means:
1. short sale
2. offer accepted
3. waiting for lender approval.

Most lenders want multiple offers on a ‘short sale.’ Talk with your agent and/or the listing agent.

Short sales can be a waste of time. Lenders don’t like to approve them. Especially when there are multiple lenders on the same property.

If you’re willing to ‘roll the dice’ and wait a few months, go for it. The best deals aren’t always the easiest deals.