I always get an estoppel agreement during the buying process so that I have the consensus of both seller and tenant as to whether there is a written lease, what the rent amount is, whether there is a security deposit and whether the landlord or the tenant owns the appliances. 

The only part of the transaction you may have to use your own money is for the EMD - Earnest Money Deposit - to give to the original seller.

Credit scores would support what I'm looking for without additional co-signer,, one thing you need to consider is that if you permit co-signers it sets a precedent. and Fair housing could be made a thing unless you only require co-signers for students,, but they are graduating so no longer students.. so wouldn't qualify as eligible for co-signer..I don't believe in co-signers I rather have extra on deposit. 

I have one property manager that has her own crew and does a little bit of the same thing - I put a deposit down on painting and then trued it up with her a couple of months later.  

The capping of security deposits, and the "Payment Plan" of the security deposit.Payment Plans Required –Landlords must allow an installment plan to pay a security deposit, a pet deposit, move-in fees, and last month’s rent.

If successful you don't like it you lose a deposit. 

Benefits:  If they move, you KEEP THAT DEPOSIT.  

Portland Commissioner Chloe Eudaly announced she plans to call for reform of rental housing deposit regulations and is considering:(a) limiting the deposit amount;(b) requiring that it be held in an interest-bearing account; and(c) clarifying the definition of reasonable wear and tear.In an article published in today's Portland Tribune, Eudaly claims to have set up a stakeholder committee meeting of landlords, tenants and housing advocates.

A "preliminary" closing disclosure would provide a date in their system.They will not require you to pay the full down payment if you've already paid an earnest money deposit. 

There is a $200 non-refundable pet deposit in place.