If your local law allows it, see what everyone else is doing and go by the norm. 3 months rent is a substantial amount for some, but really helps ensure the financial quality of a tenant.Sometimes I have immigrants who apply who work their tails off and can't afford the 3 months up front.

I also have no intention of investing in rental properties in the UK no more due to a lot of horror stories and potential new changes in laws, which is why I am very eager to explore the US rental market.I am not a US citizen, my partner is and it will be a joint venture.

The fact that this is a growing technique indicates how unfair the Landlord-Tenant laws are.

Here's the actual law with the important part underlined:§ 55.1-1251.

It depends on the state laws where the property is located.

Yep, the non-disclosure law in Mississippi is a pain.

Interesting article about “Squatters’ Rights” in California; how they originated and their intended purpose vs. how they are currently being taken advantage of.California's Squatter's Enable Tenancy Rights After Just ...

That leaves millions of middle-income Americans with little choice but to keep renting, helping to keep overall rents high.Some cities and states are enacting new laws to aid tenants facing eviction.

They work in a very grey area of law and don't know anything about the law. 

I work with dozens of investors who have done 1031's into the souther/middle part of the country where the price points are much easier and the laws are more friendly.