However, tenants at other properties may not have checking accounts or may only have pre-paid debit card accounts.

With a non-refundable deposit, it seems awkward to ask for another deposit at renewal time.To Lynn's point, I can definitely see how a tenant could take the mindset that they have "pre-paid" for the right to cause pet damage.

See prepaid lawyer.

The only minor disadvantage is that when the number is forwarded my cell voice mail picks up the call (not my GV voice mail) if I choose not to answer.As far as I know, the numbers cannot be traced back to an individual.I know of a few investors who will purchase a prepaid cell phone to use for their bandit signs.

A big chunk of that is prepaid taxes and insurance, some may be lender fees.  

(i) Balance Sheet;(ii) Modified cash basis Profit and Loss Variance Report; (iii) General Ledger Detail Report;(iv) Property Status Report, Unit Status Report, and Delinquency/Prepaid Report;(v) A listing of accounts payable, if applicable;(vi) A report in letter form, commenting on important operational features which are not apparent from the financial reports, forecasts of changes in operations or physical conditions and significant variances from the approved Budget;(c) Annual Report including a Profit and Loss Statement showing the results of operations for that year and a Balance Sheet of the Development as of the end of that year.

You may be able to get this review very inexpensively by joining a pre-paid legal plan.

To your tax question no the revenue would not be earned in 2016, like mentioned above you're not really earning a full years rent, you're earning it each month with the balance being "pre-paid"....similar to how your deposits aren't counted as income, they're being held in escrow essentially.

I do want estoppel signed by both tenants and seller before closing-  This will give you the amounts of deposit on file and if they have prepaid rent or if they are behind on rent. 

You're going to be into it for ~$1k prepaid financing expenses to find a worthwhile yes/no answer.... appraisal fee + HUD consultant fee.