I just do not see any rational/benign reason for them charging so much in deposit up front considering that the house has not sold for 6+ months and I will be able to close relatively fast. 

You can price your rental near the bottom of your comparable competition to rent faster.

The flip or brrrr route could help you grow your capital faster, especially with your $75K budget.

Obviously I would charge more for this (research shows 25% - 35% over LTR rate), and I wouldn't be furnishing the house.

Hey @Robert Cucino, you should just buy what you want and move ahead.Nothing we say is going to deter you obviously.Just hit up AirBNB and VRBO and see what others are charging, occupancy and amenities, then get it.Good luck with your project!

Find a buyer for your seller, and charge the buyer. 

Luckily, my cleaner will do that for an additional charge, but a lot of cleaners won't.  

I’d like to go faster but my team is busy with other projects at different locations.

If it stays beyond what's paid for either move it to a storage area on your land and keep track of storage fees or see if you can have someone tow it offsite for you and in that case they will have to pay whatever fee the tow yard charges. 

Look at what else is for rent there on FF, and what they're charging.