As far as tenants, do you ask for 1 or 2 months of deposit in that area?

Or is there just a deposit to your account and that's it?

They're ok with the extra costs and are willing to pay a non-refundable deposit.

Also, do we need to collect a security deposit from her or leave as is, or is this our call?  

What your bank is NOT giving you back you should be able to use the equity to go towards the deposit of your next property.If you did get the cash out...its a nice pay day as it is tax free as it is inherently...a loan.

Yup, wire fraud is on the rise.The system described in that article makes sense for the volume of deals it appears they are doing.A one-off method to be secure is actually to skip technology and go old school:Physically walk into the title company (make your earnest money deposit while you're at it, this can generally be a personal check because there is time to wait for it to clear), have them physically hand you your wire instructions for your particular transaction.Put the wire instructions somewhere safe.Always & only refer back to that.For that not to work, you'd have to imagine the bad guys not just spoofing an email, but spoofing an entire title company.

I have this language in my lease in case I later find out some one has been staying there:Tenant will not give accommodations to borders or lodgers without landlords written consent.i.Tenant agrees that giving accommodations is defined as providing living or sleeping space to a person(s) for 3 or more consecutive days. ii.Tenant may petition landlord for special guest privileges when family is visiting. iii.Tenant agrees that if Tenant gives accommodations to anyone not listed on this lease tenant will be evicted and Tenant’s security deposit will be forfeited in full. 

If there's ambiguity I sure wouldn't put down an earnest money deposit or anything like that.  

Make sure you get all your change of property management, change of ownership, security deposit, and other general Section 8 paperwork done asap.

With the risk of losing the deposit, where should we go for financing?