Parents had all of the money available as they had a good enough income to pay deposit, 1st month, and move in ASAP. 

The claims of 1hr to collect rent, produce receipts, and deposit checks also seems like a reasonable claim if done physically and not electronically.

All you are going to do is put a deposit on it, hold it, and then try to resell it into a much smaller network than it is on now.

@Gash Nookala,Renting can indeed be slower in winter, but here are some tips to boost interest:Enhance Listing: Ensure your listing has detailed descriptions and high-quality photos—consider professional photography if needed.Competitive Pricing: Double-check local comps; even a slight price adjustment or incentives (like a reduced deposit) could attract more interest.Broaden Marketing: Beyond Zillow, Hemlane, and MLS, use social media, community boards, and local business connections to reach a wider audience.Flexible Lease Terms: Offering shorter or month-to-month leases might appeal to tenants during this slower season.Local Property Manager: A local pro can tap into their network and help fill the vacancy faster.These steps should help you find a tenant despite the seasonal slowdown.

Or do they just want to sign an agreement to move out in 30 days and you'll give them their full deposit in cash on move-out day, if they leave the place clean?

When I made my earnest money deposit, in Oct, I was told production would be in 2022 and completed by 2023.

His wedding venues in Dallas all shut down suddenly recently & left many couples out their deposits & venues!

To gamble, I will go back to Venetian Casino, either “DOUBLE IT” or “LOSE IT ALL”. 

The state doesn’t have rent control laws, but landlords are prohibited from collecting more than one month’s rent for security deposits.

Sometimes it can be difficult to collect and some landlords will keep any unpaid utilities out of the security deposit, though CA is one of the trickier states to do this in.