If you want to do it yourself, be ready to answer text messages at 3 AM, solve problems within a 2 hour window, deal with contractors who aren’t able to “turn” a vacancy quick enough, and guests who want “instant” gratification.  

Licensed in both Hawaii and Vermont at the moment, navigating acquisitions and depositions by collaborating the directions of my client with grounded professional understanding. 

We were not able to recover any yard damages due to other damages they had left that needed repair, which empted out their security deposit.

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. 

Nothing you mention is "ordinary" and you should charge for all of it. dodged a bullet there thats a very good price take it from the security deposit and call yourself lucky. 

.- I will keep their security deposit for funds owed.- I will do my best to garnish future wages until their debt to me is paid in full.This has worked 100% time so far.  

Or if you prefer one deposit account bam!

Make sure every dime is deposited into the trust account.Private lending, like syndication investing, doesn’t involve many transactions.

We don't have much capital to work with outside the equity in our current home, but should be able to come up with first/last/deposit on a rental without selling.  

Provide clear instructions on where and how to pay to avoid confusion.Recover Security Deposits: The current property manager is legally obligated to transfer tenant security deposits to you or the new management company.