I sent you a direct message

Its much more cost effective to outsource things like skiptracing and direct mail.

Since you have 10k liquid, I would reach out to other investors in the area and see if they might need private lending for earnest money deposits until you are ready to buy your first property.

never have.. is the lot in Lehigh or cape coral.. tons of lots there lots of direct mail solicitations.. 

You may or may not wish to fix it since its likely too late to charge the last tenant's security deposit for it and also that it sounds so minor that people didn't even notice it right away.

For as much as attorney's charge, they should be able to answer this question.The deposit can be used for cleaning, repairs, and unpaid charges.

I would call Fannie Mae directly. 

Once the municipal/state requirements are all set, do a thorough screening for any prospective tenants, have a solid lease ready to go, and take move-in pictures to have on record for any security deposit deductions after they move out.

We also had to negotiate access agreements with both adjoining neighbors, which added nearly another $100k.Best of luck in your venture, feel free to contact me directly with any questions or if you would like me to pass along any of my resources.  

Often there is a process to withhold rent and deposit it with the court until the issue is resolved.