Quote from @Phillip Austin: There are two alternatives to a security deposit, which I speak about in my book.

If you can get your direct deposit moved against your heloc right away, and then you do not have to pay bills instantly, you are leaving your idol funds offsetting a 7.5-8.5% interest rate.

You can't charge extra pet rent or even a pet deposit because it's legally not considered a pet.

Key points include:Security Deposits: In Indiana, there’s no legal cap on security deposits, but you must return the deposit (minus any valid deductions) within 45 days of the tenant vacating the property.Evictions: Follow the formal process carefully.

We also received a $2400 security deposit.

WOW.. 40k plus deposits on a home to be built.. ??? 

This information is then linked in the database—think of techniques like pulling signatures from mortgage documents and extracting unit counts/construction types from building permits.This allows you to search my name and instantly see all of the rental properties and construction projects I own, even though they are well covered by holding companies.

I have a separate interest bearing account for security deposits as required by my state laws.

The law does NOT apply to landlords:With less then 5 rental unitsThat live in one unit of a duplex and rent out the other unitThat rent out rooms in the home they occupySo, landlords can no longer state in their rental ads, "Section 8 not accepted".The reverse is also true, "Section 8 only", cannot be used.We've always recommended screening S8 tenants the same way as cash-paying tenants.Landlords waiving application fees and/or security deposits only for S8 prospects may also be violating Fair Housing.

Far more than most real estate acitivies and much quicker think about it.. you sell the same info over and over and get paid instantly you have no roofs to fix no tenants to manage etc etc.. you do have reputation management of course.