Every market has different "norms" but I think this first, last and deposit thing is pretty antiquated. 

They are judge, jury, and executioner of an antiquated system and their egos kill many buyer's chances of purchasing their dream homes. 

Not at all.However let's say you had a antique bookstore and I brought in my "whatever" and you said it was worth about $50 so you paid me $35. 

I could definitely see a possible lawsuit as so and so did not get that antique buffet that has been in the family for 200 years.It is a shame that the death of a family member is often seen as a cash grab.

1) Don't use AirDna for your data, do your own research if you want real numbers. 2) When doing your decorating and furnishings, go to Antique Stores, Thrift Stores and Goodwill as much as possible.

Shop at higher end thrift stores, or the not-so-pricey antique stores.

😜Dayton Daily News: How to get in on the 2020 Pappy Van Winkle, Buffalo Trace ‘Antique’ bourbon lottery.https://www.daytondailynews.com/what-to-know/how-to-get-in-on-the-2020-pappy-van-winkle-buffalo-trace-antique-bourbon-lottery/CUC5YYZGAFGLVFPGZT7ZHEG47U/

I spent about $30,000 and restored the floors and a lot of wood rot, and put nice, rustic antiques in the cabin. 

As I said, my STR is in a location with no postal mail service so their antiquated means of mailing me a love letter to verify the property address is a nonstarter. 

We bought one plat called Rainbow Knowles this way.. it had 120 lots on it and we bought it as a piece of acreage .. now in LA county if lots were created before a certain date 1920 something you cant just bust them back up the way we did even if you have the legal description like the OP is posting about. there is a whole section in the code on Antiquated lots in LA county.