With that said, my goal with advance booking is to bring-in a decent amount of revenue during the offseason (winter), but don't want to scare anyone away with a large initial deposit, and of course I'd like to discourage cancellations.  

How much are you looking to put a down deposit?

Should I do a non refundable or refundable cat deposit? 

I am sending rent invoices and they are directly depositing the rent from their checking account to mine.- They had their corporate counsel review the lease and request a few changes.

And she's still responsible for rent until she moves and needs to be out by Nov 30 at the latest.My lease says that they lose their deposit if they break their lease.Do you recommend we keep the deposit or should I let it go? 

Option money itself so many wholesaler either put up no money or ridiculous EM deposits like 25.00 or 50.00 .

One to hold all the security deposits and the other for collecting rent and paying your bills.

The sophisticated money is not buying in stagnant markets with poor fundamentals because they can achieve the 1% rule, can complete a BRRRR or because of more favorable landlord tenant laws exist just to highlight what’s rarely part of their acquisition criteria which is a stark contrast to the mindset of most within the BiggerPockets community.Since your focus is specifically on landlord tenant law component I’ll add those who follow the law, properly maintain their property, respond timely to tenant requests, use well drafted and fair leases and don’t unreasonably withhold deposits  find themselves in far less tenant controversies. 

How will you remain anonymous once that claim is filed when you are required to respond to discovery requests, answer interrogatories,  participate in depositions etc.?

And if so, what are the benefits of section 8 if the only guarantee is the direct deposit and yearly inspection?