Is it an option fee that is nonrefundable or a true Earnest Money deposit? 

I would ask the builder to put down a larger deposit in light of the transient, unnumbered, changing, or unverified nature of the tenants (if legal)2.

If it wasn't, then I lost my earnest money deposit.

Hi fellow Ohio landlords, The law in ohio requires that landlords pay (5% per annum) interest on security deposits over one month's rent that are held longer than 6 months. 

I've received mail (scanned), received a check (mobile deposit), etc.

Be aware of the loan market so you can know its rates and deposit requirements that will help you do evaluations.The 18% will matter. 

Should they not heed your warning, you can notify any smoking damage will be taken out of the deposit. 

If they can't deliver a clean title then the deal falls apart and you get your deposit(s) back but you'll probably be on the hook for some legal fees from your attorney and bank if you started a loan by that point.

Hi, I use Buildium and want to avoid using a spreadsheet to track things like "What keys slots do I use for this property?"

Im curious what deposit is typically required, and how loans get structured for out of state investors like myself looking to do part-time STR?