Since you expressed an interest in wholesaling, I added the below links for you to review the blog and listen to the podcasts then you will get a better feel for what to do next.https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/01/31/ultimate-beginners-guide-real-estate-wholesaling-2/ (Ultimate beginners guide to wholesaling)https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/10/09/getting-started-real-estate-wholesaler/ (BP Podcast 091 Wholesaling)https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/10/31/wholesaling-podcast-mike-nelson/ (BP Podcast 042 - wholesaling)https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/08/15/wholesaling-business-lamar-cannon/ (BP Podcast 031 - wholesaling)To be more successful, you simply have to work on the other elements to progress your REI pursuit.

Several years ago I bought my first owner occupied investment property afterwards my investment dreams and progress remained stagnant for several more years because I didn't put the work into learning.

To be more successful, you simply have to work on the other elements to progress your REI pursuit.

You will want to check local law, but in my jurisdiction an UNLICENSED person CAN do the following:  Delivering a lease application, a lease, or any amendment thereof to any person;Receiving a lease application, lease, or amendment thereof, a security deposit, rental payment, or any related payment for delivery to and made payable to the real estate firm or owner;Showing a rental unit to any person, or executing leases or rental agreements, and the employee or retainee is acting under the direct instruction of the owner or designated or managing brokerProviding information about a rental unit, a lease, an application for lease, or a security deposit and rental amounts to any prospective tenant; orAssisting in the performance of property management functions by carrying out administrative, clerical, financial, or maintenance tasks.The key is in how the money is handled. 

The uptime and speed of the application has been excellent. 

Since you are on the verge of becoming a landlord, below, are some links that will help with this transition.https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/01/27/tenant-screening/ (Landlord/tenant screening)https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/01/04/how-to-rent-your-house/ (how to rent your house)https://www.biggerpockets.com/rei/pay-rent-online-payment-tools/ (Online rent payment)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2012/12/09/how-to-be-a-landlord/ (How to be a landlord)https://www.fanniemae.com/content/tool/landlord-guidance.pdf (Fannie Mae landlord guidance)To be more successful, you simply have to work on the other elements to progress your REI pursuit.

To be more successful, you simply have to work on the other elements to progress your REI pursuit.

Based on the use and definition of the term "deposit" in legal contracts, the modifier "non-refundable" is not applicable.  

Looking to focus more on the single family and multi-family initially and then progress into the commercial side to create both passive and opportunistic income streams within this great city.

Then that person could progress into a wholesaler or save enough money to fund their own flip/rental.