I also have more than enough reserves to comfortably stash 8 months of expenses aside in the event of vacancies.Since my investor is an older gentleman and looking to secure himself some passive income for a while, part of our private mortgage deal was that I can't refinance before 10 years, but also that I must refinance before 15 years.  

If you don't you've effectively reduced the security deposit you hold by $300.

Tenants should always have "skin in the game" namely the security deposit.

I would remind him to clean and leave the property in similar condition as move-in for his security deposit to be returned.

I need to start shopping local banks/credit unions to secure financing for my (hopefully near future) rental property purchases.

A web search should reveal most of them.

When I looked at county recorder web site the 62k was written as 6,234.00 On the original documents.

We are both fortunate enough to have secure jobs with good salaries and flexible schedules.  

It is more of a case by case basis and there is much debate on this very subject all over this forum and the web.

The ipod nano is small enough to fit in a tool pocket that can be closed so that it's secure.