.), you should require a nonrefundable earnest money deposit.Having the buyer furnish an nonrefundable earnest money deposit secures your position in making a profit.

You should probably open 2, one for expenses and one for security deposits.

That whole area is going to explode once official build plans are released and especially when construction starts .

Our business is new, as we were officially established in May of this year (2018). 

Wow, that's great that you would like to help your tenants be more financially secure.

They paid the first month's rent, plus a security deposit which is saved in my business checking account which they will get back as long as the apartment is left in serviceable condition.

They dont want their names on the title in 2nd position behind the hard money lender (despite me telling them that will secure their loan), they just want to loan the money to me personally at 12% with a promissory note. 

But you might be able to secure other funding to make this deal happen.Business/personal unsecured line of credit.

I’ll be there again this week as I officially became a member this weekend. 

Also, maximize the security deposit.