Which term would have the best public perception?

Apply the security deposit to whatever is damaged.

You will need to secure the hard money.

Many county clerk's offices will have their public records online.

Then, I would never accept anything other than CASH for the entire security deposit and first month's rent.

In this case the purchase price would be public record anyway.

Your loanwould be secured by this real estate.

An appraiser looks in the MLS and public records and finds a few comparable properties.

After a stunning collapse on Friday (close to a 50% fall) due to exposure in shaky securities linked to subprime mortgages, it was reported today that Bear Stearns, one of the Big 5 Investment Banks, will be acquired by a dismal $2.00/share by JPMorgan Chase.The deal prices the bank at an almost unimaginable $236 million dollars.

After all the nonsense private lenders dealt the past 5-7 years with second position and being cut out of their money on the shortsale....this security makes them much more comfortable.