Will taking out more credit cards and paying them all on time help? 

Plus you can get an unsecured line of credit or a credit card with a cash advance or even a secured line of credit on your existing rental property. 

I bought house with cash $45k and use $18k in credit card to fix the house. 

Suppose the worst case scenario transpires, can you borrow from a 401k or credit card at a reasonable interest rate, sell some stock, etc.?

I am deep in credit card debt and we live paycheck to paycheck.

Get rid of all credit cards, you should not be accumulating any debts.

if not they are holding the cards. i would call them and let them know you will need the deposit, if they want out then let them out but have them sign an agreement that they are withdrawing from the lease.

But if you think a good picture and a logo on a business card is enough to score you the most favored ‘realtor in town’ position, it may be time to re-think your branding strategy.Why is branding so important, especially to a real estate agent?

After something happened to me that emptied my bank accounts and maxed my cards my credit was destroyed to the 500 range...

Until then I've been doing what I can without a license, like purchasing business cards and that stuff.