One of the unit came with a security deposit that will be transferred to me at escrow.

I am not a lawyer, this is not legal advice.That being said, if someone hasn't paid as required by a lease agreement, I would think they are in breach of contract and the landlord should be able to get a judgement against them.

If you currently have no capital, you have two main options: Save up capital, or find a creative way to secure your first property.

I am social security age, barely. 

., I've been thinking that if I can survive the renovations and get the properties rented (I'd like to hang onto the properties if I can, selling is less desirable back up option) then I would try to secure a HLOC to consolidate my debt, but I've been wondering about the debt to income being a problem.

I don't know of any way to finance them but I have 4 that I was able to purchase with cash, secure a HELOC that covered my purchase/rehab costs and still have them in positive cash flow...

This isn't really a huge deal, but most of the sites have their hands full taking in domestic money at this point given the complexity in the securities laws.  

The Mortgagee has the ability to accept or reject insurance in most cases through the language in the security instrument.  

I just say to my LO tenants, you are headed toward ownership, you are a smart and financially secure family,, you'll handle most maintenance right?  

The best way to secure a private lender is to have a Solid Executive Summary for You and Your CompanyYou need a strong Board of Directors, and a good list of previous projects you've completed.Imagine if you were a Private Money Lender, and someone came to you with a deal...