When its included in a lease for real estate then the laws pertaining to residential rental security deposits in your state apply but when its separate you should have more leeway to get some additional deposit to protect you.

We get just as frustrated because the system is a bit "broken":(I believe the team is in communication with you about your options - just be sure to also let us know your choice to secure the property to deter squatters as cost-effectively as possible.

Do you have any suggestions on how we can secure long-term financing under these circumstances?

This could help secure a higher LTV while you build STR rental history.

It’s astounding how many fake documents are circulating today—you can find everything from fake references and stolen Social Security numbers to falsified income documents.To combat this, we rely on tools like Plaid, Verifast, and Snappt, which are excellent for verifying financial information and detecting fraudulent activity.

I completely agree with @Ashish Acharya's points about the cost-effectiveness of a HELOC and the potential credit implications if it’s secured by your primary residence.

They didn’t completely destroy the house, I did keep most of their security deposit and used it for the repairs, along with some of our own cash.

With careful planning, you can develop a portfolio that consistently outpaces inflation and helps secure your financial future.I hope this helps.

Even large and small businesses with intangible residual services like TV, internet, security, pest control or the local contractor with remodels in process could fall behind on payments revenue contract. 

As a result, competing against seasoned investors in the multifamily space can be challenging, especially for newcomers or those with less capital to deploy.On the other hand, single-family homes (SFH) are typically the go-to choice for primary homebuyers, who are not always as cash-rich as investors but can still secure financing through conventional loans.