we would have paid the 10% deposit and have had zero legal recourse to get the money back.

If they are changing jobs, they need the new job first and you need to paychecks or offer letter with salary or maybe even the first two paychecks at the new job, depending on their level and income.Ask them about deposit and rent. 

Ask them if you deposit say $250k with them as MM or CD with them having control over it.  

We have to order six months ahead from our Mennonite source and put a deposit down

I gotta say, I had a hard time deciding on the monthly rate and deposits.

Put down deposit, lease isn't signed. 

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.

What ********.1) spent $250 for 60 days notice of termination to tenant back in July (stating owner will move back in October and take house off the rental market; within the laws and does not violate covid non-payment); also tenant rekeyed house back in April, in direction violation of lease agreement2) October comes and tenant still there, providing statement of covid hardship and states she doesn't have the financial means to move and will be staying put3) spent $1600 to eviction attorney to proceed with the serving in October4) tenant's attorney replied back on 12/1/2020 stating to give them a 60 day extension so they will be out end of January (to which I agree to)4) finally got a case number (trial is set for Monday, December 21) which happened yesterday; but now they are continuing to bull **** (the nerve of them to ask for one month security deposit back and I should forgive them of all debt and not pursue small claims court if they move out by Feb 1)5) I told my attorney ********, no way are they getting anything back from me and I will pursue small claims court for all back-rent owed plus property damage plus all legal fees6) so the trial continues and will re-convene back on 1/21/2020What a load of crap.

Are you only referring to damages in excess of the deposit?

They will try to run 2 kitchens and that can mean clogged drains in your wet bar kitchen.Be sure there is personal recourse when you need to sue them for $40k in repairs above the deposit.