Whether you escrow now or pay out of pocket later, the net costs to you are largely the same.

I’ve been reading different book bigger pockets put out, reading forums and listening to podcasts , but just out of curiosity, do you have any other ideas for me to get to where I want to be ?

San Antonio definitely has some pockets of town where appreciate for single family homes is particularly great. 

@Edward SegaarWelcome to Bigger Pockets.

If they are deemed responsible have them pay now out of pocket, or worst case you cover it and come up with a written payment plan for it (but ask an attorney about that for sure).Too many people use their deposit as last month's rent at move-out even when they're not supposed to, and now you have past damages (this incident) and any potential move-out damages or costs that have not been covered. 

@MarkWelcome to Bigger Pockets and I wish you all the best in your investing journey!!

Welcome to Bigger Pockets !

I found a contractor that was on the list of vendors for one of the Bigger Pockets realtors. 

I think I can get this property for cheaper and I think I will need to in order to pay off the hard money lender with zero out of my pocket after I do a cash out refi 

@Eddie MiretskyWelcome to Bigger Pockets.