The goal would be to retain ownership, I just wasn't sure if there's a scenario in which I have to give the buyer back their deposit or at least some of it.

Retain a probate atty.

I offer without an agent but reserve the right to retain one if my offer is countered.   

The average STR owner spends much more on home/property  improvements because they have to in order to retain a 5 star rating.c) Having these STRs in pristine condition raises the property values of the neighborhood, thereby raising the property tax eventually.d) Studies have shown that a strong STR presence in a city will actually raise tourism in that area.

It would be tricky to get a USDA loan while retaining the current home, at least if you're trying to use departure residence income to qualify.I made a video about this recently. https://youtu.be/iZ1OMKWfjFgIf he can qualify for both loans without rental income, then you shouldn't have a problem.

@Mike KedzioraBefore even reading the responses or contemplating the numbers on sale further, I’d personally 100% keep renting it out because that’s amazing cash flow.If you sell, you incur closing costs, and taxes on profit, and it’s really hard to put that money to work on a comparative cash flow deal in this super hot sellers market.Besides, you can tap into the equity using a HELOC tax free, possibly using it to invest in the next rental property, while retaining the original and the great cash flow / mortgage payoff and / appreciation over coming decades that you’ll reap the benefits of.ORYou could cash-out refinance and pull that money out tax free, Then use that cash to buy the next property.

Thereby, the IRS' lien is usually the one most recently recorded, and therefore, the most susceptible to being wiped off by a foreclosure of any prior recorded senior lien (1st or 2nd, etc.)If IRS' lien is wiped off by a trustee's sale, the IRS still retains the right to redeem the property from the new owner within the following 120 days.

Do you have at least $10,000 retainer for an attorney?

This purchase would be my first step towards investing in property since I will be retaining and renting out my first home so I'm a little anxious about it all. 

I know some property managers that retain all the pet fees for themselves.