I would say I fulfill the dictionary definition of a small, self-managing landlord.

I like the second choice because he’s not painting a picture he can’t fulfill when he says it might be less than 1,000.

You did just fine and fulfilled your legal obligation. 

@Chris Policicchio start here as Nolo has some good information on security deposits:https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/pennsylvan...The landlord should have provided an itemized list for the deductions and they typically only have 30 days to return it so it appears neither were fulfilled.  

Leases are contracts, and both parties are obligated to fulfill them.

Instead of focusing on just money, you should focus on what kinds of work do you find exciting, meaningful, fulfilling?

A part-time real estate agent simply cannot fulfill their duties to their client.

The solitude and mobility you desire may both be fulfilled, and your need for "nice things" may subside a bit if your driving a Benz model class B motor home on a daily.

In turn, I would ask for bank statements and a credit report from the landlord in order to insure that they would be financially able to continue making the mortgage payments so I wouldn't be out on the street when they didn't fulfill their commitments.

If you don't want to hire a lawyer to deal with it, just write them a letter using that term and say that because of Covid 19 causing you to lose your funding, you can't fulfill the contract, and so they should refund your money.