I have no responsibilities - other than reading regular reports and (hopefully) depositing checks. 

But if you had a deposit you'd take better care because you want your deposit back.

Banks and credit unions are having to offer very high cd's etc. to get deposits in the banks.

Rent is due Sept 1, it is odd for tenants to pay well in advance (unless they paid last month's rent with the deposit).4 weeks is enough to find a new place especially if they get started now and as they have one month's rent to use as a deposit for the new place.

Project Parameters:Flips only, no buy and holdResidential onlyCost to Value (purchase and rehab budget) to be around 70% of ARV or belowProfit is shared at 50% (after costs, deposits and fees)Properties must have $50k profit or morePrefer homes in suburban areas with area population above 100kMost projects approved will be flips, wholesaling to our network is considered as wellSales contract should be in your name and assignable (we can make it work if it isn’t)Please include the following information in when submitting a project for evaluation with our funding group:-Stage 1-Initial Project Submission.

I have had a number of questions (how to handle land contract payments, how to set up security deposit refunds, etc.) and between their online support and responses to my questions via email, I have yet to run into a situation I couldn't address. 

.- Im thinking of not charging security deposit because of all the strict MA laws and just using the last months rent as a sort of security deposit, thoughts?

I’m a realtor and have completed a CRM on final build so based on a Comparative Market Analysis I would have instant equity upon completion of the build and could sell or refinance. 

If there are large deposits the underwriter will ask for a signed letter of explanation from the borrower along with supporting documents.

Most lenders are fine with just seeing a signed lease and receipt of the first month's rent with security deposit, so the tenant doesn't need to actually be moved in yet. or 80% though it will certainly make the process smoother if you have a tenant lined up.