Quote from @Zara Massoud: Your new PM is correct and the old ones were wrong.The property manager must have your social security or tax ID number on file.

I work full time at a decent job, but have quickly learned that I needed to make some changes in my families life by securing our financial future. 

@Kin Lay To transfer your share of the house to your brother, you can use a quitclaim or grant deed, but there are tax implications.

Should tenant fail to response, you would request a default judgment and under the proposed facts it would be granted in all likelihood.

By any chance, do you know if you're eligible for any government grants and/or funding?

Would it be a good idea to take a deposit to secure the deal until the rule clears?

My goal is to build my portfolio over time and secure a stable primary residence. 

.- Logically, there really is no additional security provided with both keyed doorknob & deadbolt, but a deadbolt is more secure than a keyed doorknob.- Since you need a key to lock a deadbolt when you leave the premises, tenant's can't lock their key(s) in the home and then pester us to come let them back in.--- Tenants can still lose their keys outside their home:(

PM's will keep all late fees, they hold the security deposits so they collect all the interest on security deposits. 

One other thing that people in their 60s can consider is - if you are planning on taking Social Security and making passive income part of what you live on, rental income may not count as income against your Social Security benefits.