Quote from @Jeff Adolphe: @Kevin Collins How long does it typically take you to secure a house with REI?

I know I need to hold the security deposit in an escrow account.  

If these things weren't disclosed that could be an issue.Did you work with a licensed insurance agent to secure coverage?  

What about the security deposit? 

What ********.1) spent $250 for 60 days notice of termination to tenant back in July (stating owner will move back in October and take house off the rental market; within the laws and does not violate covid non-payment); also tenant rekeyed house back in April, in direction violation of lease agreement2) October comes and tenant still there, providing statement of covid hardship and states she doesn't have the financial means to move and will be staying put3) spent $1600 to eviction attorney to proceed with the serving in October4) tenant's attorney replied back on 12/1/2020 stating to give them a 60 day extension so they will be out end of January (to which I agree to)4) finally got a case number (trial is set for Monday, December 21) which happened yesterday; but now they are continuing to bull **** (the nerve of them to ask for one month security deposit back and I should forgive them of all debt and not pursue small claims court if they move out by Feb 1)5) I told my attorney ********, no way are they getting anything back from me and I will pursue small claims court for all back-rent owed plus property damage plus all legal fees6) so the trial continues and will re-convene back on 1/21/2020What a load of crap.

This is my first investment property and I was wondering if anyone has recommendations for security cameras.

I guess my problem with being too up front about seeing their place is that I don't feel like I'm in a position of power right now to decline people since it's hard enough to find people that I want to even get to that point in the application process in the first place, but I have to snap out of that mindset and have to instead come from a place where I make them believe that I have a lot of other applicants and that it's my standard policy and it's something they'll have to go through if they want my place.....ESPECIALLY if I decide to only take 1st & security from them rather than 1st/last/security.Thanks again!

Quote from @Jaša Rot: Hello Marshall,thank you for your reply.my idea was to sign a trust deed and promissory note with the borrower so that the loan is secured by collateral.

You can always charge an air and surface scrubbing fee from their security deposit after they've moved out. 

Pro tip--make sure your exhaust fan in the bathroom is vented to the atmosphere--meaning out to the outside.....go out the roof or out the side of the unit or secured to an opening in a soffit vent grille off the house.