. :-) Plus it will be easier to secure more deals. 

Goals and story: My friend is a foreign national, immigration status has been approved but still waiting on green card, has social security and runs a lucrative business that mostly deals in cash.

Do you have proper security deposits?

Real estate investment provides financial security—a reliable capital resource for further investments.

I am trying to weight the pros and cons, as I always see good deals in different states and am tempted to pursue them. 

Demolition: Figure at least $8k for demo (including window & door demo, trims, exterior, drywall - if plaster on walls and ceilings, figure more in demo due to weight and time to demo), trash bins, haul away, etc.Fencing: UnknownDriveway: UnknownFRAMING is any wood studs, facia, wood around doors/windows, etc.

.- Purchasing security like ADT and or getting smart locks? 

When you know you want to secure a hard money loan (and then refinance later) do you reach out to these lenders ahead of time or after you have a deal in contract? 

. $1000 security deposit.

Return the security deposit portion with an itemized statement in accordance with local laws.