Now, I'm imaging a scenario when every one of these tenants move out that I'll be paying their entire security deposit + interest even if there are damages beyond normal wear and tear. 

@Juan PerezCongratulations on paying off your first home and transitioning it into an investment property!

Vetting tenants on my own to avoid paying broker fees is the way to go

The 70% rule helps investors determine the maximum price they should pay for a property.

The law states:"a landlord may require a prospective tenant to pay the landlord’s actual cost, up to $25"https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/704.085(1... states that the most a tenant may pay in Wisconsin is $25. 

Don't pay ANYONE or any company a dime outside of an appraisal until the deal funds.

@Ellis Moyewe really don't know a lot about this situation since there aren't many details in your post... but i don't think this makes any sense for anyone involved here...if it's a flip that's not selling, refinancing may not solve your problem and allow you to pay back the HML in fulland typically a sub to buyer wants a low interest rate... and if you refinance now you won't be getting a low interest rate, you'll just be getting whatever the market offers.and finally.... the vast majority of loans are NOT assumable. 

The long hours and dedication will pay off as you learn the ropes and prepare for your first investment.

As part of the deal, they are paying me to take some of the backyard.

Are buyers struggling to accept paying their agent as a new structure?