I told them if I can fill without vacancy I would not hold their deposit except for damages. 

Legally how do I protect myself as much as possible, I know sometimes as a student some student party or damage or crime or etc happens at the property. 3.

we have also been renting out our house in Bennett. we had a little plumbing problem that caused some damage last year. during repairs, it was discovered that there was asbestos in the glue for the flooring.  

Are you experienced enough to see if you have termite damage, a rotten sill, un-permitted plumbing/electrical work (homeowner specials), subtle signs of water penetration, or any number of things that will kill your deal on the sale side? 

Other than the scratches was there much damage?

If it doesn't look deliberately damaged, then yes, normal wear and tear.

Might be less brain damage for you to just give the above a shot to resolve it for all involved.  

It reminds me of the 4 panel folding Asian art pieces/dressing rooms.

Here is the description of work.tenant has moved out, please change locks and get make ready estimate We have a estimate that come in at 5743.67 and included material and labor Replace lock and secured unit Remove garbage leftover in the unit by prior tenant Remove nail and decal from wall and ceiling Prep , patch, and finish large hole in the living room , stairs case and bedroom walls Prep and paint entire unit Remove and replace damage and stained carpet on the living room, dining room, 3 bedrooms , hallway and stairs tread Replace broken outlet,switch and plate cover install missing carbon monoxide and smoker detector Repair kitchen cabinet clean entire unit Note: this estimate those not include a C/O ,section 8 or lead swipe and all unforeseen , alteration and deviation from above specifications involving extra costs will be executed only upon written orders, and will become an extra charge.

Doing a bad real estate flip obviously won't kill you but it can do enormous financial damage.