Identify the resources they have and match the REI strategy to that. 

It sounds like there are five strategies, and the first one is essentially inserting yourself into a deal by providing the funds for an earnest money deposit for someone like a wholesaler.

Deposits are not classified as income.

My big recommendation for you, is to go with people who match your needs and values.

My list includes - last 2 years employment history and current employment [2 paystubs], criminal checks, eviction checks, No Pets, No smoking, tenant pays utilities, maintains landscape, no subleasing, bring own washer & dryer, 1 month security deposit and transfer of utilities before moving in, rental insurance, all occupants will be on lease, notice period of 2 months for termination, tenant references, No cosigners, no painting walls, late fee notice, any hoa fines should be paid by tenant, inspection of property at 3, 9 and 12 months.Please let me know if I am missing anything.3.

I'm in western Pennsylvania but have not been able to get deals that match the 2% rule here either. 

While Pittsburgh offers lower entry prices and a more stable rental market, the appreciation potential doesn’t quite match that of Mesa or Gilbert, making it a more cash flow-oriented market rather than one driven by property appreciation.Why Mesa or Gilbert Might Be the Better BetBecause of leverage, that roughly $100K difference in appreciation is HUGE because I've had investors just putting 5% into the deal (so a 5x higher roi). 

CfD is a legal contract between you and a buyer (aka your tenant) that states for $x down (secuirty deposit) and $x a month (monthly rent) for x months, they can live in the home.

A broker can mix and match and find local area loans with discounts, etc.

I want to understand what are my options to collect tenants deposits and one month rent.