If you figure out a way to eliminate all those spam calls please let me know!

So it can be a bit tricky to do it this way, but ultimately, requiring that hold deposit will let you eliminate the risk of a tire kicker no showing on you when it comes to pay and you've already told everyone the house is rented.

I would be eliminating bad debt and high interest credit cards that I had to use to do some repairs. 

That way you eliminate the need for a 2nd lien Heloc and only have (1) mortgage.

And for that end phase, yes, that's where debt elimination is awesome.

Alternatively, you may need to factor in a larger repair budget to address the vacancy issue, effectively eliminating the risk. 

Definitely could be a factor but I don't think Redfin and Zillow eliminate agency any time in the near future.

It doesn't eliminate the risk but at least anticipates the scenario.   

A sale pursuant to this chapter shall not nullify, eliminate, or reduce the amount of a foreclosure judgment pursuant to Part 14 (commencing with Section 8830) of Division 10 of the Streets and Highways Code.

So I use Zillow Rental Manager right now and they say even with ACH bank transfer, it will take 5 business days.