Problem is, 10% down doesn't pay off our home equity loan.I tracked the buyer down and called him, and we sort of agree in principle on a deal, but the details are still fuzzy.

If you ever set up a website where you take your own secure payments, etc and are sure that no dispute will arise with guests, insurance, security deposits (which you have to hold in escrow accounts technically)... go for it.

Technically you only need to cancel but guests very much appreciate it if you can go the extra mile and find them alternate lodging.  

Technically, if the market drops, the investor got stuck with a property that has negative value.

Technically they shouldn't have to transfer the security deposit.

Still technically not an asset because the money is coming out of our pocket but its a start and its  our first home, we don't plan on staying here for long anyway.

However, the devil is in the details, of course.

I would look into their contracts in details.

Problem is, 10% down doesn't pay off our home equity loan.I tracked the buyer down and called him, and we sort of agree in principle on a deal, but the details are still fuzzy.

Technically speaking they are not part of her original deposit, but likely her dog's damages will be greater than her original deposit.I know it sounds like she is a bad tenant, but i promise that given the location of this unit and the fact that it is only a 525sf house on a 600sf lot, i am ecstatic to have her as a tenant for these last couple of years.