Frustrating that Erentpayment is not liable for the entire amount or that insurance doesn't cover it.At this point I guess we are all SOL and we deposit and move on? 

Cancelled the second cluster of showings once the deposit was in and lease signed via email.

be uber careful of scammers telling you they will do this for you only to steal your up front deposit money they say they need... 

I am wondering could I get a no deposit down loan on my first investment.

Just like a deposit.

These include rent control, security deposit regulations, lease violations, late fees, eviction processes, barriers to entry (permits, licensing, etc.), and so on.What are your thoughts?

We charge a much higher rate, a larger deposit, and a mandatory cleaning fee. 

There's no need to have cash sitting in an account.The only reason to have it in an account would be to avoid "sourcing" the deposit during a loan approval.Otherwise, the numbers should drive the deal.

The biggest change is the month of December and individuals meeting the challenges of paying for Christmas and move in deposit and first months rent. 

I can't deduct from the deposit unless it's the 1st of the month correct?