Best Way to Take Long Distance Rental Deposits

[Wayne Connell]

Hi, I recently built a small studio duplex designed to cater to short term traveling medical personnel in my area.  Many of the medical professionals line up housing in advance, some 30 to 90 days out, and I want to require a deposit to hold the property until they arrive to sign the lease and move in as I am getting multiple calls for the same time frames.  Does anyone have any tips on the best way to take a deposit long distance? I have heard good and bad things about PayPal so I wanted to research other options.  Also, any tips on what I should watch out for?  I have traditional rental properties but this is my first foray into the "short term" rental market.  Thanks!