That depends on the contract's actual terms. Escrow, revocation rights and contingencies are reviewed on their facts; refundable deposits are not automatically qualifying, and irrevocably committed funds are not automatically premature. Have counsel read the agreement against your funding plan before you sign, and again if the diligence findings force amendments.
Build milestones around evidence, not a promised date
Sequence the work: complete reconciliation, resolve liabilities, finalize the agreement, place and document funds, then assemble the evidence package. Prelaunch or pre-closing readiness can matter when the commitments are credible, so first sales are not universally required. No processing time can be guaranteed, so keep a fallback for delay before resigning a position, ending a lease, or committing to a handover date with the seller.
Money the applicant can still take back at will is not committed, but 9 FAM 402.9-6(B) accepts a purchase conditioned on issuance of the E-2 visa as a solid, irrevocable commitment where the assets are held in escrow for release once that condition is met. Book the consular interview only when the escrow is funded and the agreements are signed, and do not give the seller a closing date that assumes a particular visa issuance day.