my  J and M lawyer said I could have sued for treble damages.. 

I believe this damage is due to tenant negligence and am considering withholding a portion of the security deposit.

I am losing money, also I don’t know the condition of the place what other damages may be there, and I have a person that wants to buy the property as the market is very hot at the moment.

If the couple is going to move out and didn't do any damage, let them go.

You hope not, but there is always the possibility of a bad tenant that could cost you a lot of money in lost rent, legal fees and damage.

If there is no deposit and he has SSN, forwarding address, etc, next best option is to send the balance to collections if the tenant's won't pay directly for the damage.

For leasing we'd give first month's rent with a MAX "once per year" per unit and a 50% refund if we had to evict for any reason, or there was any unreimburseable damage or other fees (i.e. if she doesn't do a good job placing a tenant, it costs her!)

If they are all equally qualified (areas covered, knowledge about investing, etc) I'd tell them all that I'd decide with a series of coin flips and I'd tell them that you're doing that to avoid damaging the relationship that you value so much.It's a hard situation, but if you're upfront with everybody, you should minimize the chances of hurting your friends.  

I'd like to have an agreement that has clauses that allow me to sublease to property, and stating that the tenants would be responsible to pay for any sustained damages while under the lease term, if they so chose to not buy the property.

Hi Guys,I'm being sued by an ambulance chase type for damages allegedly sustained by a tresspaser on my property.I'm looking for a badass lawyer in Stockton who will send them packing.Any recommendations?