I know this is a long story and asking for a lot put I would really appreciate any suggestions or legitimate solutions that anyone can offer.Thanks for reading this...Tom

Some are legitimate, some are rationalizing.In a big city, rents could be FAR below what a home would cost. 

That's the step that makes this all legitimate.  

We mo e venues as well each month to help accomodate peoe from all over SE Michigan. 

There are websites that will require me to pay money to access some REO properties and I don't mind paying, if they are legitimate. 

We use data (direct, nationwide, county assessor access), scrub down to the exact property details we want, and send legitimate respectable offers.

Real estate agents accept these types of letters all day long as legitimate POF.

Having a lawyer for a straightforward small claims court like this is going overboard.If you lived there for six years, then repainting and carpet cleaning are normal wear and tear items that cannot be deducted from the security deposit.If a door needed repairing, however, that may be a legitimate deduction.

Kay Keovongphet Where is the venue for the Renton meetup?

As for the late fee or default notice, if she legitimately sent it and you have proof, cut her some slack.