Our attorney told me just return the money as the brain damage of going to court and potentially losing (court is really just rolling the dice - small claims court is not about justice and the law but what the "judge" thinks is "fair") is not worth the possible gain.We always sign a lease and any funds paid are first applied to rent and the SD is collected last.

You will need 6 months worth of the payment (including taxes, insurance, HOA) in liquid assets to show an underwriter.Now with doing a rental agreement, do I need to have tenants living in the home first or new prospects lined up before the underwriting? 

Higher deposits might be an option to cover more damage.

Don't be suckered into buying cheap properties - unelss you know exactly what you are getting into.Here's some copy & paste advice that applies to just about any Midwest rental market:--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Recommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.Property Class will typically dictate the Class of tenant you get, which greatly IMPACTS rental income stability and property maintenance/damage by tenants.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a property in Class D area to Class A standards, what quality of tenant will you get?

That said, forming the habit of calling/prospecting is more important than the apparatus. 

What sort of due diligence do you think you will be able to conduct on the prospective tenant that these investors have not done?

When I say "ask the questions" i mean literally ask the prospective tenant, you will be able to get a feel for them if they are witholding or being decietful, Then go with your gut feeling.

Hey AudreyHere's a list of things you should look for in your investment properties...Start by assessing the property’s curb appeal and exterior condition, checking the roof for damage and foundation for cracks or moisture.

Any brokerage can be the right fit for you so long as you commit to taking initiative and putting in the work.By 'work', I mean income-producing activities (lead generation and follow-up) i.e. cold calling, door-knocking, contacting your sphere of influence, networking, hosting open houses, running online advertising, marketing (paper or online), or anything else that will get you in front of prospective clients.My first broker rarely answered my phone calls and by the time she responded, I'd often already have the answer I was looking for.

For tax purposes, it's considered a reimbursement for property damage.