I work a safe, secure, well paying, dead end job.

Should I get a contract or security deposit?

Think of all the things that could go wrong and see if the lease addresses them: unauthorized pets or tenants, early termination, security deposit, lease violations, late rent, eviction, lawn maintenance, parking, etc.5.

I’ve had some questions about the security deposit and appliances.

The problem with people looking to partner is that they feel like its a security blanket for them.

Do I need to do anything else other than signing the contract with seller to secure my deal?

Also, you want to make sure you have a high degree of confidence is being able to secure financing post-renovation. 

Depending on loan terms you may still have a claim against the borrower, but you will no longer have a security interest in the property. 

What should happen first, secure financing or put an offer on the house? 

You just haven't gone to Kinko's to make it pretty and you might not have done graphs, which I do because I like to see stuff visually.You will also need to buy it with an assement, and if the bank asks it (which it almost always will) make repairs and etcetera to secure their investment.They also might make you get some types of insurance, hold stuff in escrow.