It's their home while they rent it and don't want someone, even the owner, telling them how to live.With all that said, if you get dozens/hundreds of applications when you have a vacancy, then it probably doesn't matter if some people are put off by it.Or, a compromise that is more common and not nearly as intrusive, is to have a set cleaning fee that is automatically taken out of the security deposit. 

If you have any doubts....here's the exact verbiage from Fannie Mae:B3-4.3-15, Borrowed Funds Secured by an Asset IntroductionThis topic contains information on borrowed funds secured by an asset, including:• Borrowed Funds Secured by an Asset• Secured Loans as Debt• Reducing the Asset by the Amount Borrowed• Documentation RequirementsBorrowed Funds Secured by an AssetBorrowed funds secured by an asset are an acceptable source of funds for the down payment, closing costs, and reserves, since borrowed funds secured by an asset represent a return of equity.Assets that may be used to secure funds include automobiles, artwork, collectibles, real estate, or financial assets, such as savings accounts, certificates of deposit, stocks, bonds, and 401(k) accounts.Secured Loans as DebtWhen qualifying the borrower, the lender must consider monthly payments for secured loans as a debt.If a secured loan does not require monthly payments, the lender must calculate an equivalent amount and consider that amount as a recurring debt.When loans are secured by the borrower’s financial assets, monthly payments for the loan do not have to be considered as long-term debt.Reducing the Asset by the Amount BorrowedIf the borrower uses the same financial asset as part of his or her financial reserves, the lender must reduce the value of the asset by the amount of proceeds and related fees for the secured loan.Documentation RequirementsThe lender must document the following:• the terms of the secured loan,• evidence that the party providing the secured loan is not a party to the sale, and• evidence that the funds have been transferred to the borrower

I have realtors to contact if I'm looking for more property or need an opinion on comps.I keep most of the deposits with the same bank that holds the mortgages so very simple there to track money going in and out (I keep that separate from my personal banking of course). 

This could be providing earnest money deposit, helping with the market analysis and or underwriting, helping with management, financial accounting reporting and documentation, and investor relations.

Or you may decide to reduce your risk by having them pay a higher deposit, several months rent in advance, etc.

It closed after hours (the money was deposited after 6 pm on Friday).

Yea there is no need for an eviction  here, I'd be out and call the health department to let the violations roll in and suing for my deposit back. 

This is how I got in to the business, starting with only a $1000 deposit and started netting a LOT of money from day one.

If I'm not mistaken I have the right to call the internet company to remove the wiring and patch up the hole they made into my kitchen and if I am charged I can take it out of the security deposit.

Pissed off you have no choice but to pay for 2/3 of the cost.A month later, this Frankenstein'd 17 yr old machine dies out again and the insurance company wants another $99 deposit to come take a look at it a second time.