My thought is that the agent is pressing the more expensive homes in order to receive a higher commission but I don’t want to speculate.

But that you’d be hard pressed to rent a single family because the markets not there.

To your question as to setting up automatic payments… 90% of our tenants have a bank account (free) or credit card (3% fee)  linked to the application where they have individual logins, and they have to press one button to pay their rent.  

I’d probably just take half and move on personally but if you want to press the issue I’d send him a certified letter explaining your case and ask for the whole security deposit back minus the cleaning fee for what was left dirty, along with an apology for leaving it dirty.

You'd be hard pressed to find a better value add after new windows.

If you both agree when you split then you can change the agreement and do whatever you agree to do.I like the self help legal books from Nolo Press.

Trails and forest behind the house, brand new gutters, 2 year old water heater, 3 year old A/C. 2 car garage with large, built in work bench.

Trails and forest behind the house, brand new gutters, 2 year old water heater, 3 year old A/C. 2 car garage with large, built in work bench.

However, you'll be hard pressed to see much (or any) appreciation. 

@Nathan G.Thank you for reminding me about Nolo press.