Should I collect first month's rent in advance through Cozy?

[Wade Penner]

I have tenants moving out 6/30, and I listed a couple units to be safe.  I'm nearly finished vetting renters for both units, and now I need to determine 1) I will for sure collect the security deposit at the lease signing, however should I also collect first months rent given that their lease won't start for 2.5 months? 2) One applicant lives on the other side of the country - would it be safe to collect these funds through Cozy given that there is plenty of time for the payments to clear?  If not then what method would be advised to obtain long distance funds?