I figured I could squeeze out an addition $100 monthly per house by adding a bunch of junk fees into the fine print of my leases which my tenants wouldn't pick up on and could take  from their deposits.

If they look fine, do you see her employer's name there making deposits? 

Since our goal is to scale in real estate and we do have the funds, we would prefer to minimize the deposits and invest into reno where necessary and keep the capital for now for improvements, if they arise.

You'll have to buy right to get either instant equity or forced appreciation so that you can pull some cash out during the re-fi to be able to use that for your next deal.

Or they sign the lease, pay the deposits and then change their mind and want their deposits refunded?

Jeff Beach the owner has taken deposits for over 2 years from clients.

As best as I can tell without knowing their specific algorithm their search placement is weighted something like this: Price>No/few rules>super liberal cancellation>Instant book>Premier host>Reviews>Other.

She breezed through her application, has great references and credit score, had already paid her July rent/security deposit, has insurance in place, and is set up for auto-pay going forward.Thanks for your insights!

When assigning the property you will ask for a non-refundable earnest money deposit from the end buyer.

This accomplishes 2 things, 1 you are gaining instant equity, 20-30% each time you complete the process.  2.