Security deposit regulations vary by market so I suggest doing research on local security deposit rules.

Where are these properties located?

Thank you in advance...location Pittsburgh SFH. 

@Jack Berg another approach is to search the MLS and locate the product for sale or sold that you are wanting to do.

I live in CA, and am paying a local property management company to manage tenants and repairs.

House Hacking is a great start, but I would suggest you set up a few meetings with local agents and brokerages that are investor-friendly to help you determine which areas in your market are best.

It's actually where my office is located. 

Context:*For my business - I had initially setup a profit-first system w/ multiple bank accounts at my local credit union*For the properties under management -  I setup two trust accounts (rents and deposits) with Chase. 

Make sure to utilize all the great tools BP has to offer, along with networking and joining local groups.

We've been told by a local appraiser and real estate agent that the property should now appraise for $1M+.We took a private loan from a family friend at $250,000 to purchase the property.