All legal rights pursuant to the Rental Agreement, including return of any Damage or Security Deposit(s) are assigned to the Incoming Resident and remaining residents.

How much earnest money is needed to secure the property legally?

It's a false sense of security anyway and could save you money in the long run.

This strategy has allowed me to save on closing costs, secure favorable financing terms, and refinance almost immediately, all while minimizing my down payment.

Be more discreet and search the web first.The goal is to help you get better answers and less pitches.

I was able to partner with my parents to secure funding for the down payment via their HELOC.

To secure the loan.

I was able to partner with my parents to secure funding for the down payment via their HELOC.

Consider all the things that could go wrong and see if the lease addresses them: unauthorized pets or tenants, early termination, security deposit, lease violations, late rent, eviction, lawn maintenance, parking, etc.5.

He is asking about the security deposit.