I think rent to own is much better since you will get a bigger down payment (not just a security deposit but more like 3-6% non refundable deposit) and typically a higher monthly rental payment since people that you’re looking for want to be homeowners and not just tenants.

It's not a form of discrimination, but it is a potential loss of extra income in pet rent (per pet) and pet deposits.

Should the money be deposited into a business account?

It is now 1/20/20 and i have not received tenants rental deposit and last month of rent (normally owner draw is deposited on the 7th). 

Depending on the situation, I may consider forgiving some past due rent, or paying security deposit in cash on the way out, in exchange for leaving the unit clean and damage free.

If so, what kind of damage did they do that it will cost $6100 to get it rental ready and why wasn't some of that taken from his security deposit? 

I can see them being vindictive about it and taking it out of my deposit (oh, I got a sternly-worded email from the male leaseholder about the stringent cleanliness specifications of getting my deposit back after he issued the 30-day notice, too).Thank you in advance for your help.

You can ask her for a pet deposit, paid over installments if needed.As for the window, some tenants are harder on the units than others.

And maintain communication with them about how you can help in their search - IE if they say they find a place but need $x for the deposit, it might be worth it to pay that.In Illinois, you have to hand deliver notices to tenants.

As far as prepaid rent (first and last) and security deposit that's one third of a month's total rent.