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

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.

However, once my deposit was paid and I submitted my files, that’s where the experience degraded.Based on my experience, I would caution others to receive services from TrueBooks.My question is: When will my taxes be filed?

Here are the numbers:IncomeTotalPartner ContributionsManaging Partners Debt$0.00Partners Deposits$987,459.99Total Contributions$987,459.99Operating IncomeAirbnb Income$50,186.50Square Income (Vehicles or add-ons)$6,741.04Total Operating Income$56,927.54Total Income$1,044,387.53ExpensesPurchase of propertyCost of House-680,000.00Closing Costs-$26,744.44Total Cost of Purchase-706,744.44Set Up ExpensesHouse Improvements & Care taker home addition-116017.03Adding Tiny House-52130.83Furnishings-68403.65Vehicles-43150Set Up Costs and Advertising-2339.53Total Cost of Set Up-282,041.04Operating expensesCare Takers-14535.9Additional Cleaners-1505Cleaning Supplies-2670House Supplies-1340Landscaping-4230.66Utilities (Power & Water)-8204Internet-315Pest control/fumigacion -120Pool cleaning/maintenance-2220Vehicle Gas-552.3Vehicle Maintenance and Repairs-6625.01Welcome Food for Guests-115Property Repairs-4999.64Bank Fees-1208.06Accounting Fees-1085Insurance-955.74Other Expenses-1071.2Total Operating Costs -$51,752.51Total Expenses-$1,040,537.99Net Income$3,849.54Net Operating Income$5,175.03Now 5k for an investment of 970k is not a good investment.  

Once you win the auction you have to put down a 15k deposit so I don't want to not have a chance of getting it back.

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

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.

You take a deposit per usual and charge them for any damage beyond wear and tear.

I get it with the builders.. we saw that big time in the GFC however the deals I saw was them walking away from substantial EM deposits deep into the 6 figure range.. we did well picking up some lots from lot developers who had this happen to them..

Ensuring a solid lease agreement and security deposit will help mitigate this.