The entire purpose of a holding agreement is to hold the property for the applicant until they fulfill lease obligations. 

The case manager helps tenants to succeed in fulfilling their obligations and also helps landlords by addressing issues with the tenant if the need arises.

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.  

Before we agree to working with inherited tenants, we mainly screen for criminal and sexual crimes to help insure everyone's safety.  

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

He might even be a better renter, based on his service history.I would personally be apprehensive with convictions for violent crimes, serious misdemeanors and felonies, felony drug convictions, criminal mischief (vandalism), domestic violence cases (with some exceptions), serious theft cases, and sexual assaults.  

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.