Yes, in Pennsylvania, if a tenant's security deposit exceeds $100, the landlord is required to place it in an escrow account.

@Charlie Krzysiak  Some of these places like Little Elm are a little far out, but may also give you the chance to do 100% financing with USDA loan when you are ready to buy.Do you know where you will work yet? 

5 units+ could be a good place to get started.

I have actually been thinkin about cutting losses honestly, I am not sure this is the best investment I could have made as my first but worried about how much of a loss I would have to take.It is meant for S8 for sure, I would have a stringent application process, and give the neighborhood a C from my research.I invested there because it was the first deal that basically fell on my lap where the mentor works with agents that Seller Finance deals, it was only $3k down and had thought the proximity to St.Louis would be attractive to tenants also.I effed up on waiting to post for rent until after all repairs and the COO for sure.  

Coastal cities might give you long-term appreciation, while places like Lakeland or Ocala can deliver better cash flow right away.

Without control in the deal, you’re at the mercy of both the lender and the seller, which is not a good place to begin in real estate investing.Because you’re not putting any of your own money into the deal, neither the lender nor the seller has much incentive to be flexible if problems arise. 

NOTE: an aggressive attorney can still track you down.LEGAL PROTECTION: By placing your assets in an LLC, you legally separate them from your personal assets.

Tampa was my most visited place which is why I moved there.

Note both of these options require paying the tenant to vacate for a no-fault eviction (terrible name as if lease is up it is not an eviction).Note terminating a lease agreement for the purpose of rehabbing the unit is under attack in some places in the county. 

Many people choose NOT to have this, because the administrator will then vet every investment you make to ensure you do not invalidate your IRA.Invalidating your IRA means that you've done a prohibited transaction and the entire account is then deemed as distributed to you.If you don't want checkbook control, then I recommend a plan administrator such as Equity Trust - www.trustetc.comIf you are sure that you're aware of all the rules around prohibited transactions and disqualified people (who you can and can't do business with), then a plan administrator like Sense Financial would be a good place to start talking.