We are now suing them in TX small claims court as the security deposit was not enough to cover the 2 - 3 months rent after they trashed the house. 

You might need legal advice to ensure this process goes as smoothly as possible.

The tip about ensuring the agents and loan officers are active on here are both prudent and wise. 

So I picked up a few books which includes, "The Book on Investing In Real Estate With No (and Low) Money Down," and "The Book on Rental Property Investing," both by Brandon Turner, which introduced me to the BiggerPockets community.With a decade of experience in property management under my belt, along with my property management certifications and an NC real estate broker’s license (with Broker-In-Charge designation), I’m eager to leverage my background to secure long-term financial stability for my family.

If you can save up 20% down in a low-cost market like Cleveland, you could use a DSCR loan to secure financing while you still don't have any stable income. 

The portal is not secure. 

You must keep the tenants security deposit at a bank that physically operates a branch office in the State of NC.  

Post '08' people had the luxury to analyze for "cheap" vs the pre-'08' pricing and feel a sense of security in there current price acquisitions. 

One of them being you can't charge more than one month security deposit.

@Tove Fox - Residential Real Estate InvestingPros:Lower Entry Costs: Easier to get started with less capital required.High Demand: People always need homes, making demand relatively stable.Easier Financing: Mortgages are generally easier to secure with favorable terms.Simplicity: Easier to understand and manage, especially for beginners.Flexibility: You can use it as a personal residence or rent it out.Cons:Tenant Turnover: More frequent turnover leads to vacancy and more management.Lower Cash Flow: Income potential can be modest compared to commercial properties.Emotional Buyers: Residential prices can be influenced by emotions, leading to price volatility.Maintenance Burden: Landlords often deal with repairs and maintenance, which can be time-consuming.Commercial Real Estate InvestingPros:Higher Income Potential: Stronger cash flow and higher returns are common.Long-Term Leases: Tenants often sign longer leases (3-10 years), reducing vacancy risk.Professional Tenants: Business tenants tend to take better care of the property.Valuation Based on Income: Prices are based on the income the property generates, not market emotions.Shared Costs: Tenants often cover property expenses like taxes, insurance, and maintenance (via triple-net leases).Cons:High Entry Costs: Requires more capital or partnerships to get started.Complex Management: More expertise is needed; you may need a professional property manager.Economic Sensitivity: Commercial properties are more sensitive to economic conditions.Challenging Financing: Securing financing can be harder, with stricter terms and higher interest rates.Zoning and Legalities: More complex regulations compared to residential properties.Key Differences:Risk: Residential tends to be lower risk, while commercial offers higher rewards but with greater risk.Management: Residential is easier for DIY investors, while commercial properties usually require a team.Scalability: Commercial properties are easier to scale, offering more potential for significant cash flow increases.