If there is a Realtor, the deposit goes to the listing broker in escrow and forwarded on the date of settlement with certified funds usually carried by the listing agent if they even show up.I'm no techie, but I have not heard of providing funds on line as it would certainly open the door to making such deposit with a credit card and thereby, part of the down payment would then be from borrowed funds which can make financing more difficult.

Walk into properties being renovated and get cards from the contractor or owner.

As the buyer, it is the only way I would do it.Keep asking questions and engage this community, it is the fast track to proper education.PS.

A properly formed and filed Limited Liability Corporation can provide protection.

I'm pushing for credit cards and lines of credit.

J Scott has given you the proper way to analyze a deal like this.

To make this legal give them a gift card for a couple hundred bucks to a beautiful restaurant, or something of this nature.

Thought that when I hand a card out with my property pic on it, which by the way I always do everywhere I go, that it might make it more appealing for a prospect to go to the professional website and take a further look see at my fantastic and beautiful properties(mine are better than everyone elses of course).

The good news, proper evaluation of any income generating asset is pretty straight forward.

I have been mailing to probate leads using the following schedule:Sympathy Card within a week of leads being pulled (name & number only)letter 1 15 days after sympathy cardletter 2 & 3 30 daysletter 4 & 5 60 daysletter 6 every 90 days until 2 years have passedLetters 1 to 3 mention my sympathy at their loss.