We'll even be making the deposit for the new rental and potentially paying the first months rent.  

We are currently researching a $0 security deposit option for tenants.

The cost of stuff today is absurd, especially since we only use licensed and insured vendors who don't require deposits upfront for work. 

If you don’t have enough money for an earnest money deposit than you shouldn’t be doing the deal. 

Deposit a lot of money at a bank you will do business with in Illinois.  

note: they do have enough money to cover the first, last, and security deposit

You will have formation costs, earnest deposits, legal bills, due diligence costs, etc that will likely all come out of your pocket initially.  

I require a $1,000 security deposit, no exceptions and I let them know they will be paying all utilities, mowing the lawn, keeping up the landscaping and cleaning the gutter. 

Flooring: A lighter or mid gray lvp to compliment (~$3 sq ft material) Cabinets: White shaker style (Lowes/Home Depot, Readily Available with little lead time) Countertops: White Quartz with black veining to match black matte finishes if the return on investment is there or just a nicer laminate (calacatta marble natural stone look)Finishes: Black matte for a modern look or the classic brushed nickel.

They may be receiving rent payments casually in cash or depositing them into their personal account where everything is mixed together and hard to find the dates and amounts of payments to provide you.