One telling me that I can go to his partners bank, and deposit the EMD check into her business account.

To avoid the issues, once you sign the contract you give it to a title company immediately along with your deposit.

No first months rent, no last months rent, no deposit...... 

(Seller tells you he's holding a $200 sec dep but 6 months later when the tenant moves out they claim to have paid a $500 deposit and want it back....).

Again if it is tenant misuse, you can have them pay for it (deduct form the deposit).

If I'm coming in way low I'll do it with an all cash offer, large escrow deposit, short close date and a very short inspection period.   

The problem is you only have 3.5% because of your minimum FHA deposit.  

It really helps on security deposit claims and how structurally sound your house is before it becomes an issue 

Let's take a look at a typical Tenant Security Deposit Receipt.  

(That is the reason we worked with you to end the lease May 31st.)That being said, we would like to be fair, and save you the hassle and expense of moving (including paying additional non-refundable pet deposits, etc.)We would like to offer a few options (all options still include 2 pets):1) a one year lease where May 2018 rent is FREE.2) a one year lease at $2250 per month, where you take over yard maintenance, and May 2018 rent is FREE.3) a 2 year lease where April & May 2019 are FREE4) a 2 year lease at $2250, where you take over yard maintenance, and April & May 2019 are FREE.If you choose not to renew the lease it will revert to month to month at the current rate of $2350.