Filing single with no kids looking at my tax return realizing I needed a tax shelter.

By the 15th eviction has been filed.

You may want to contact the IRS and state to verify that 2017 tax returns were actually filed.

We ultimately came up with a finance and investment strategy for the area to secure property and develop a track record. 

What happenes to the security desposit?

My terms are 1st,2nd and security which they understood although I did not screen them yet or have signed 1 yr lease.

Hey @Paul leason my goal with this is to obtain financial freedom and security.

Even if only a small fraction of that can be "liberated" it's incredibly powerful.There are many ways to navigate the securities law issues. 

@Dave Meyer my guess is your best argument is the three suing you don't have a lease with you and the security deposit is not their's. 

My business partner and I are in buying mode and we're closing on a 3 family tomorrow because the deal is so good and the property will cash flow like a fire hose after we've made a few improvements/secured tenants.