@Adam Hinkley The security deposit credits on your closing report is the security deposit being transferred to you (credit = money you receive in the closing, even if it's netted against your debits and you don't walk out with funds wired to your account).

You will learn quite a bit, things like setting up a second line, setting up a mailbox, drafting late rent notices, having prepaid mail etc. 

From what I have read and watched (because knowledge is good) if the properties NOI able to produce cash flow after debit is taken out is it not a good deal?

Certified letter w return envelope prepaid

Now you can opt in to a reporting program that debits your rent payments from your account.

i mean to say, i don't mean your obvious occasional big purchases, the loan/tax/insurance payments, and/or all the tax that goes to uncle $am on ur short term flips.buy everyday or weekly expenses.for me lookin at my debit card $100 there and $200 there most every day of the week at home depot and sometimes as much as $900 in a single purchase (2 oversize carts); that's over $2,000 a week! 

My local REIA members are nice, but I feel like their primary motivation is to try and sell me something (prepaid legal, no cash flow rentals etc.).

Perhaps a penalty if it's prepaid before 2 years? 

Why not purchase with cash to avoid closing costs and prepaid monies.

If you wish to get a first assessment consider joining a pre-paid legal plan.