So make sure your GC understands there will not be a 50% deposit etc - it would be more like a commercial construction type where you pay for portions of work when complete

The boyfriend has since advised me he is no longer at the home and wishes to have "his" security deposit returned to him.

The more iffy we are, the more deposit we want.  

In small college town with high rental demandAsk price 745kGross rent: 9750/mth 177k/yr     (differed maint properties with potential 200/mth per unit increase once renovated) estimated reno (190k across portfolio)NOI: 91,475/yr   (12.6 CAP)    (includes tax, ins, listed maint for past yr)     After reno NOI 127,475/yr   (14.6 CAP) Deal info:    - Owner finance 745k 20yr at 6% 20k down minus deposits (~13k)Cashflow  = 2100mth     (self-managed) (self maint similar to the previous owner)By this alone, 2100 cash flow added per month, it will put me at my financial freedom number of monthly cashflow is equal or greater than my families spending amount.

I have my painter itemize extra charges so I can deduct from deposit.

If not, why not just give a sizeable EMD (earnest money deposit) into escrow and close on it in 120-150 days.

We kept the security deposit but it was about 1/8th of the total bill.

Harrah’s Cherokee casino is just up the road and Great Smoky Mountain Railroad is a draw.

Closing assurance, putting in the best bid, and making hard money deposits are all good strategies.

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.