What is the standard option and earnest money in your area?  

To clarify, in MN a person must be a licensed to perform at-charge Property Management services, for others, on a standard commerce basis. 

A standard $1k deposit.

80% LTC is standard on ground-up construction, if they are using an experienced builder, have decent credit & the after-build value is sufficient, it should be a fairly straight-forward loan.The main problem I see with non-experienced builders trying to build is lack of funds, they will need 20% of project cost + Closing Costs + 6 months reserves.

The previous landlord only collected half month rent as deposit, and I would like to increase the deposit to standard one-month.

I didn't even realize they had originally purchased the parcel I have the tax deed to until the heavy equipment showed up which made me look closer at deeds for sales in the area and discovered my parcel listed on the other property's deed.This is my first tax certificate/tax deed so I'm not sure what comes next.

Hey Robert, 8x6 is pretty standard size bathroom to fit a tub, vanity and toilet.

I can see them becoming the Zillow of subleases when more owners discover them.

Cash flow deals can be discovered there.

Many “wholesalers” get all excited when getting a property under contract only to discover that a thorough inspection by a knowledgable professional results in repair costs 2 - 3 times higher than they calculated.