Their deposit was $2600 and I'm only planning on retaining their deposit, but not charging them the remaining $1000.Full story: My tenants with a 2 year lease just moved out after 9 months.  

The big builder attempted to muscle me at the end of the build, but I hired an attorney for a few hundred, and they sorted it all our with something I never though about.

Moving into commercial loans is a whole new world to me but i like the idea of retaining access to capital for any future deals. 

5 different attorneys on 5 separate retainers?

Due to this we were able to retain the majority of our down payment budget.

Due to this we were able to retain the majority of our down payment budget.

This is even though the California Purchase Agreement has a liquidated damages clause that states if the buyer defaults the seller “shall retain the deposit”.

Compare this to any city and the Midwest and it becomes even more impressive that Columbus is exploding right now....we're the only city in the Midwest to experience growth during COVID-19...still retain AAA Bond ratings across the board, have a maxed out rainy day fund and a windfall of tax revenue.Columbus is becoming a hotbed of tech startups to include Olive (AI), Cover My Meds, Root insurance, and Path Robotics...Sequoia Capital has entered our city and providing venture capital for the first time in its history.Bottom lineProperties are still very affordable when compared to national pricesRents are starting to keep pace with purchase priceTop 3 landlord friendly state with no legislation on the horizon to change thisExplosive and sustainable job and population growthUnbelievable appreciation...30% year over price appreciation in entire zip codes is commonOh, and we're insulated from natural disasters...plenty of fresh water...and improving infrastructure 

Realtors always know good handymen.Here is how to retain to good people:1.

Again here, the deciding factor seems to have been that the home, the essence of the residence, was never demolished/removed, retaining the nature of the sale proceeds as being from the sale of a principal residence.