This helps ensure the transaction progresses smoothly and in a timely manner.Earnest Money Deposit: Specify the amount of earnest money the buyer will deposit with the offer.

As you sort of infer - we look at mitigating risk by how much security deposit we require.  

They can also assist newbie tenants with build out.Always be advertising these units as they do have more frequent turnover than I realized.Collect larger deposits. 

This would be set by you, you could go the Padsplit route which is company that rents by the week and helps secure tenants, or you can find them yourself through FB marketplace or Zillow and get a lease made and take a deposit.

The vast majority of lawsuits against Landlords are for wrongful eviction, security deposit disputes, and Fair Housing Violations.

am I legally allowed to keep her last months rent and security deposit?

Consider all the things that could go wrong and see if the lease addresses them: unauthorized pets or tenants, early termination, security deposit, lease violations, late rent, eviction, lawn maintenance, parking, etc.5.

Separately, I use apartments.com to collect rent, security deposits, bills, etc - also free for you as the landlord and the tenant.Third - to write off items for taxes, I'd check with your CPA but in general, it would be anything you spend money on with that property, including mileage going there.Best of luck!

Paid deposits.

How do you have rental income deposited?