Unable to Use 3rd Sim Slot

I'm playing and wish to access my third sim early and avoid the "Roommate Race" event, since it takes so long. I purchased SimCash and was ready to deal out the 175 cash for my third Sim, but the game won't allow me, and I'm assuming its because of the current event going on. Has anyone else experienced this or figured out a way around it? I bought SimCash specifically to avoid waiting days for a new Sim, but now I  feel as though I wasted my money.