I’ve been in this situation and with a growing portfolio and expenses, it’s hard to put money aside for two mortgage payments.At Sid Was Here, my management company, we’ve always offered to let guests pay into the future for longer stays.

.- Hefty penalty on either one of the parties for early termination of lease Owner plans to invest some of his own money to upgrade/refurbish things?

The refund part is just to get you get committed to another deal that makes them even more  money than that refund.

Once Apartments.com is going the money comes without much thought. i check on the first to see that the transaction has initiated then again on the eighth to see that the money deposited.

The only way I can access is money is through my primary residence and doing a HELOC.

No PMI and little to no money down.

@Mike Robb you would think with the money they charge people for very little benefit they could create an app.

This is the value of having someone who has local experience.The company you said, if they are some "remote" company, I guess they could provide the things that you need and save money, but I would hesitate to feel confident if they do not have regional experience and that you would be left vulnerable if issues arise with the design later on. 

He likely needs to stay where he is, save up money for a downpayment on his own, and buy when HE is ready.He's not ready. 

This practice also frees up more money for lenders to use to fund additional mortgages.In "non-conforming loan" world, anything goes.