The property has been vacant for awhile, and any searches I do brings me back to the damaged/vacant property and no additional info. 

This public exposure to the commission process may be the most damaging aspect and may dwarf these verdicts longer term. 

The unit was completely dirty, damaged and looked like a fixer upper.

The locks that I use also specify to use Alkaline because Lithium can damage the electronics in the lock. 

A year later I found out they were scammers, who did $15,000 damage to another landlords property.

I would think a rabbit does less damage than a cat or small dog. 

As long as you don't argue with them or make them mad, you should not experience more than the usual brain damage of getting permits.

Any suggestions on how to legally put Damage Deposits into a CD to gain interest? 

For example, if a family is displaced due to extensive water damage that will take a few months to repair, the insurance company will then look to find temporary housing for their customer/displaced family.

If you win, they will have to pay the extra expense of the filing fees, etc, on top of what you say your damages are (which would be the cost to hire someone else to complete the job).