If they deduct this from your security deposit before they return it to you, you have every right to take them to court, and you'll win.So you have a choice, sign a new lease and pay what is essentially a convenience tax, or leave and take them to court when they play games with your security deposit.

I just want to make sure that me "taking the tax hit now" at a lower bracket makes sense versus sheltering as much as possible for a "gamble" that I can do Roth conversions later and pay less/no tax. 

@Max Brown We can start with someplace convenient for all.

I also would like the location to be a bit convenient for me to travel by transit States/areas I've looked into, but not sure if I should make the jump:-Minnesota Minneapolis/St.Paul  ( heard rent is going down in these areas, and it's not landlord friendly either)-Iowa Des moinesI have about 11k that I've saved up that I can put for a downpayment and 8k to cover closing cost; but if I can have the seller to pay that then it would help with any remodeling to help increase the properties value or I can use it to buy a cheap car that can get me to point A- BTLDR:Good states to start buying your first multifamily home?

It’s also an appreciation play which is somewhat gambling.

I am sure that a ton of people will jump on me about saying that property prices will go up as being gambling, but look at the chart @Amit M. posted... it is straight up accurate.

Hmmm....that's convenient...On a side note, I am a big fan of @Brian Burke 's book.

U have the Cash flow is the only reason to invest crowd and appreciation is gambling and then you have the  cash flow is just a place setter while my prime asset goes up in value based on a location and desirability IE no social issues like you describe. 

Yes I would bring a small claims suit if you have a few hours and want to gamble the $100 or so to do it.

(Very convenient for them) To even get a hearing, you need to present them with an independent property appraisal, so I can't use the one I would be given if I were to purchase it, then I also have to provide them with 3 recent comps to just get the ball rolling.