This was expedited as I chose to do direct deposit/wire as opposed to a check.

@Ben Grubner In a very limited circumstance we require a deposit.

It has a tenant facing portal where tenants can pay their rent, which the app deposits into our account the next business day (even though ACH payments do not regularly settle for 4 days!).  

I actually prefer these systems because there’s no cash/check to deposit at the bank.

Eventually, someone looks at the Move Out Documentation and decides the fate of a security deposit (again, with significant legal consequences) ...

The initial deposit doesn't need to be private. 

And what I am personally seeing the Market place today.Commercial bank/ community bank were you have significant deposit relationship and long term relation ship..   7 to 10% plus 1/2 to 1.5 points.. these are relationship and experience and capacity lenders..

These are not refundable, so you give this diligence fee AND an earnest money deposit which is refundable.For that, before you make any offers be really sure what you're buying.

I have always been a stellar tenant, always recieve my deposit back never ever have left any place I've resided at without making it look like it did or as close to when I received it.

My question is can I legally keep their security deposit?