Would you take an escrow account with a deposit?

I am subletting a property that I am planning on purchasing the set up where instead of any type of security deposit I am re-having the property which is necessary before I rent it out.I will have about $20,000 in expenses all before I purchased the property.

It depends on a lot of factors; primarily the local jurisdiction rules that may limit lease changes (in Portland/Oregon rent, security deposit, screening fees, an no-cause evictions are heavily regulated).

Withholding the entire amount of the security deposit doesn’t even cover the costs incurred. 

What do you do to ensure that the tenant is responsible for security deposit disputes since that is the largest reason for owner lawsuitsHow familiar are you with the newly changed laws that can affect you the owner if they are not used correctly?.

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.

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.

Additionally, have a clear budget, factoring in potential repair costs, and ensure you understand the rules about earnest money deposits and closing deadlines.LLC for Real Estate Investing: Forming an LLC for rental properties can offer liability protection and may provide tax advantages, though the tax benefits are non-existence for rentals.

It is common for rental property investors to feel the pain when a property turns over but keep in mind that is why we retain security deposits for you. 

Dude.. most deposits in the mid west are 500 to 1k..